Somerton Girls, Gila Ridge boys claim crowns at YUHSD Wrestling Championships
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Six schools, one district and one crown. Somerton High School was the place to be as the Yuma Union High School District Wrestling Championships took over the mats, marking a milestone moment for the host program and the community.
It was a year of firsts for Somerton wrestling. Not only is this the school’s first season with varsity programs, but it also marked the first time Somerton hosted the district championships bringing together top wrestlers from San Luis, Kofa, Gila Ridge, Somerton, Yuma High and Cibola.
Somerton head coach Jose Nunez said bringing the event to town was about more than competition it was about showcasing the sport and the work his athletes put in year-round.
“I wanted to bring this because to the community of Somerton, wrestling is huge,” Nunez said. “Just having it here is a really great opportunity for us to showcase and display all the work our kids put in the whole year.”
The event delivered exactly that, with packed stands and high-level matchups throughout the day. Kofa junior David Elias said the district tournament is always unpredictable and that’s what makes it special.
“The local talent is great,” Elias said. “Every year it’s exciting because you don’t know who you’re going to go against. Everybody grows, cuts weight — everybody’s tough. It just shows how strong this community is.”
Gila Ridge’s head coach echoed that sentiment, saying the strength of local competition can translate to success beyond the district level.
“If you can win the city, you could be the best team in the state,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent out here, and a lot of these wrestlers will be on the podium at the end of the season.”
For many athletes, the day was about more than wins and losses. Somerton freshman Annette Preston said wrestling has already had a major impact on her life.
“I love it because it challenges me,” Preston said. “Even when I have a bad day, it prepares me for the future — to get back up and compete. I love the excitement and how everyone’s here to support the sport.”
When the dust settled, Somerton’s girls made history, claiming the 2025–26 YUHSD District Championship. Gila Ridge finished second, with Kofa taking third.
On the boys side, it came down to Somerton and Gila Ridge, but the Hawks emerged on top. Gila Ridge continued its dominant season, earning the district title and solidifying its place as the top wrestling program in Yuma County this year.
Kofa head coach Airam Moreno said despite falling short of the title, the season has been one of the most rewarding of his coaching career.
“It’s been one of the most fulfilling seasons I’ve had,” Moreno said. “We lost a big senior group last year, and over half our team is freshmen and sophomores. But the kids are bought in. Even three months in, we still have a full room. It’s been awesome.”
Team results from the championships reflected just how competitive the district has become.
On the girls side:
Somerton finished first, followed by Gila Ridge in second and Kofa in third.
For the boys:
Gila Ridge claimed the championship, Somerton placed second and Kofa finished third.
From first-time hosts to championship crowns, the YUHSD Wrestling Championships highlighted not just elite competition but a growing wrestling culture across Yuma County.
