Otero Wrestling Sends Four Student-Athletes to the National Tournament

Four of the Otero College wrestlers, Isaiah Gamez, Adam Schulz, Matt Santos, and Gavin Howes, have qualified for and will compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship for wrestling. The tournament will take place at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa March 3-4.

Isaiah Gamez, wrestling at 125, will face Roberto Camacho of Neosho County in the first round. Gamez is in his sophomore year at Otero. His record is 11-3 on the season. He was the Region 9 Tournament runner up.

Adam Schulz, at 174, is also a sophomore at Otero and his record is 6-6 on the season. He finished in third place at the Region 9 Tournament. He will wrestle Austin Raby from Clackamas first.

Matt Santos, at 184 has a record of 14-12 this season. A sophomore at Otero, he was the Region 9 Tournament runner up. He will begin at the National Tournament against Quentin Saunders of Iowa Central.

Gavin Howes, will begin with a duel against Victor Vargas of Morton this weekend. This is his sophomore year, and he placed 3rd at the Regional Tournament earning him the ability to wrestle at the National Tournament. He had a 10-15 record this season.

“This season has been an adjustment for every wrestler on our roster and our four qualifiers have really excelled for us all season,” said Head Wrestling Coach, Brandon Coates. “Isaiah and Adam fought through some injuries early in the season but were able to come back in the second half of the year and really establish themselves. Matt and Gavin have been two guys that have competed consistently week in and week out. All four of them had a really solid regional to qualify and were well within striking distance of upsetting guys who are ranked above them. Coach Samora and I are excited to see them compete at Nationals this weekend and believe that all four can be successful against anyone.”

The athletes will wrestle their first match on Friday, March 3, 2023, and the tournament will continue through Saturday. Look for updates on the Otero website and social media.

For any questions about the Wrestling program at Otero, Brandon Coates can be reached at brandon.coates@otero.edu or by calling 719-384-6913.