Yuma County wrestlers get unique send-off, watch Sun Devils in action

TEMPE, Ariz. (KYMA) - Earlier Tuesday, wrestling teams from across Yuma County gathered at the Matador Wrestling Club for a special send-off, boarding two buses bound for Tempe to watch Arizona State face No. 4 Iowa State in a high-level collegiate dual.

The trip gave local athletes a firsthand look at Division I wrestling, including matches featuring current Sun Devils who hail from Yuma County. For many of the students, it was their first time attending a dual meet at this level.

"How cool is this to do? We're trying to create a vision for the long game for kids not just middle school or high school state championships, but wrestling beyond and applying lessons from the mat to life," said organizer Pepe Moreno.

Several students echoed the excitement.

Zach Lands from Gila Ridge High School said, "There are a few wrestlers on ASU's roster who started here in Yuma. Seeing them achieve their goals shows us what's possible, and it motivates all of us to keep pushing forward."

Local wrestling booster groups helped make the experience possible, providing tickets and transportation to ensure the young athletes could attend.

"I'm not just trying to take kids to a wrestling mat," Moreno added. "I'm trying to create new fans for college wrestling and the Sun Devil program...people who will follow and support this sport for the long game."

On the mat, the Sun Devils put up a strong fight but ultimately fell to the Cyclones, 29-14. Freshman Kyler Larkin got off to a hot start, pinning Iowa State's Adrian Meza for his 12th win of the season, while his brother Kaleb Larkin earned a hard-fought 4-1 decision in his debut at 157 pounds.

Redshirt sophomore Nicco Ruiz also impressed with a dominant tech fall over Iowa State's No. 18-ranked Connor Euton.

Despite the loss, the trip offered an invaluable learning experience for Yuma County's wrestlers, showing them what's possible when talent meets dedication.