Somerton hosts Southwest Summer Champion Classic Wrestling Tournament

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) - More than 90 wrestlers from across the region gathered at Somerton Middle School on Saturday for the Southwest Summer Champion Classic Wrestling Tournament. A tournament focused on competition, development and growing the sport of wrestling in Yuma County.

Hosted by Matador Wrestling Club in partnership with Somerton Parks and Recreation, the event welcomed athletes ranging from elementary school students to high school competitors. Wrestlers spent the day testing their skills on the mat while gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment.

Tournament organizer, former Arizona State wrestler and two-time Arizona state champion Pepe Moreno said wrestling teaches lessons that extend far beyond wins and losses.

“It’s awesome to see so many kids involved with a sport that can provide a lot of lessons," Moreno said. "They’re going to win and they’re going to lose. And you know what? That’s kind of life so, it’s a great way to reveal the character."

The tournament also highlighted Somerton's continued investment in youth sports. Mayor Jerry Anaya said the city has worked to expand opportunities in combat sports by supporting both wrestling and boxing programs.

"We started a boxing gym and wrestling club, so this is part of that program that we have," Anaya said. "We invite the whole Yuma County community to come and grow those sports. Yuma has always been a wrestling community... and now we want to take it nationally."

For many of the young competitors, the tournament was another opportunity to gain experience and continue improving. One 12-year-old wrestler said he was simply happy to get more time competing on the mat.

"It feels good. Feels good to get some mat time in," Noah Lopez said.

Another young wrestler, just 8 years old, shared a lesson that reflected the tournament's overall message.

"It doesn't matter if you lose. There's only wins and lessons," April Almaguer said.

From first-time competitors to experienced wrestlers, the Southwest Summer Champion Classic showcased the growing popularity of wrestling across Yuma County while providing the next generation of athletes with an opportunity to build confidence, sharpen their skills and continue strengthening the region's wrestling tradition.