Yuma area wrestlers shine at 2026 AIA State Championships

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma area made a major statement at the 2026 Arizona Interscholastic Association State Wrestling Championships, proving that hard work, family support, and community pride go hand in hand with athletic success. With multiple champions crowned and dozens of wrestlers reaching podiums, the area’s programs showed they are rising forces in Arizona wrestling.

Gila Ridge High School

At Gila Ridge High School, the state tournament was a showcase of growth, talent, and determination. Freshman Ayden Sevilla, competing at 106 pounds, felt the jump in competition right away. “It was pretty good. The competition kept getting tougher. You can feel the difference. All the kids are really putting in the work,” he said. Sevilla also highlighted the coaching staff’s impact on the program. “We’ve been getting new coaches coming in, giving us different feels… teaching different styles,” he said, noting how these changes helped him and his teammates adapt and improve.

Sophomore Raiden Tanaka used the tournament as a chance for redemption after a tough freshman season. “I had a bad freshman season. I’m glad I came back and showed I can hang with these guys. I love my hard work and I love to show it out on the mat,” he said. His determination embodied the competitive spirit Gila Ridge stands for.

Cannon Ferrar, competing at 120 pounds and reaching the finals, reflected on representing both the school and the town. “I’m excited to show everybody how much I improved and what I’m wanting to do for a state title. This town, this program, it’s a tough place. But we give it our all — we’re representing Gila Ridge and our whole community every time we step on the mat,” he said. Ferrar’s state title, along with Sevilla’s runner-up finish, helped Gila Ridge earn a sixth-place team finish in Division I, showing the program’s steady rise in Arizona wrestling.

Yuma Catholic High School

At Yuma Catholic, preparation and belief were at the heart of success. Senior Khyla Lipumane, competing at 100 pounds, reflected on last year’s disappointment. “I couldn’t explain that feeling after losing last year. I just went out there, no matter what happens, to be proud and do my best every period,” she said. Lipumane credited her teammates and coaches for helping her maintain focus. “My teammates push me and my coaches and everyone around me was supporting me every second of the way,” she added.

Sophomore Skylar Bialecki captured the Division IV 106-pound state title, speaking about the confidence that carried him through. “I knew I would have won that match no matter what. Since day one, I’ve been a visionary… just staying ready and keeping on my game,” he said. He praised his coach for fostering that belief. “My coach made me believe. He’s been telling me every day I’m the best… and I believe everything he says,” Bialecki said.

Boy's Wrestling Head coach and Athletic Director Jeff Welsing emphasized what makes this event unique. “The state tournament is unique because you have the best kids in the entire state and they’re all competing for the same thing. We work year-round… to get on that stage and achieve that goal, it’s really special,” he said. “The sky’s the limit.”

Abigail Barfield added a runner-up finish at 107 pounds, rounding out a strong showing for the program.

Somerton High School

Somerton continues to rise rapidly, just three years into its wrestling program. Sophomore Jayden Preston, who captured the 113-pound state title, credited his parents for supporting him every step of the way. “My parents do a lot for me. They show up to every match, take me to every practice, make sure I have every chance to succeed… It means a lot to give credit to my coaches, my parents, my teammates,” he said.

Freshman Annette Preston dominated in the girls’ 185-pound division, adding another championship for Somerton. “We’re out here just to compete, not just for ourselves. It feels great to make my whole team proud and show the school what we can do,” she said. “Seeing this many girls competing today is really inspiring for our program.”

Assistant coach Jesus Isla praised the athletes and the program’s potential. “Great family support, great kids. Give all the credit to the kids, they’re the ones that did the hard work. We’re trying to tap into the middle school and club programs… build some kind of dynasty eventually. We’re ahead of schedule,” he said. Somerton also saw Kenneth Garcia capture gold at 120 pounds on the boys’ side, helping cement a dominant Division IV performance.

Kofa High School

Junior David Elias, competing at 132 pounds, captured the Division I state championship after years of close calls. “I came up short my freshman and sophomore year by one point. A lot of people doubt me… but I just keep going,” he said. Elias credited faith, family, and coaches for keeping him grounded. “I thank God for letting me wrestle. I thank my parents… I want to thank my friends, my coaches — every single one of them. They believe in me.”

He also praised the competitiveness of Yuma wrestling. “There’s so much talent. Everybody’s tough. Everybody’s elevating each other. It shows at the state and national level,” Elias said. His dedication and focus paid off with gold, bringing pride to Kofa and the community.

Yuma High School

Freshman Jayden Espinoza reached the Division III 126-pound title match and finished as runner-up. “It means a lot. I’m really thankful. Yuma High is on the rise… hopefully I can set a standard for the rest of the Yuma High guys that are coming in,” he said. Espinoza described his wrestling style as fast-paced and a little unconventional. “I like to push the pace, but I’m also a little funky when I wrestle. It was a little intimidating at first, but I believe that with more time, I can get better… I just want to perform at my best next year.”

Antelope and San Pasqual High School

The representation didn’t stop there. Antelope sent Ethan Farnsworth, Thomas Wilson, and Alex Rodriguez to compete, while San Pasqual’s Lillian Aruna advanced to the Division II girls title match in her weight class. Their participation underscores the depth of talent coming from Yuma County and the county’s growing influence on the state stage.

Looking Ahead

Altogether, 70 Yuma-area wrestlers qualified for state. Multiple champions and several podium finishes showed the depth of the county’s wrestling programs. From freshmen like Espinoza and Annette Preston to seasoned competitors like Elias and Ferrar, the weekend highlighted the talent, work ethic, and community support that drive Yuma County wrestling forward.

From Gila Ridge representing their town with pride, to Kofa’s perseverance, Somerton building a rising program in just three years, Yuma High’s emerging talent, Yuma Catholic’s belief-driven success under Welsing, and San Pasqual and Antelope’s growing presence, the Yuma area continues to make its mark on Arizona wrestling.

From experienced coaches to the rising stars, Yuma continues to make noise on the state stage.