Rattlers set for first home invite

The Rattlers wrestling team is preparing for its first home wrestling meet.

The Rattlers will host the Rattler Quad invite on Saturday.

Coach Eddie Encinias said he is hopeful that five teams will turn out for the invite.

“A lot of the teams that we invited have already signed up for other tournaments going on at the same time,” Encinias said.

Even with only five anticipated teams attending, Encinias said he is excited about the teams that will be attending."

“These guys do so much and are such great competitors and It would be great for the town to come out and see what they can do,” Encinias said.

The Rattlers played their first invite of the year at the Randall Greater Gold invite held on Dec. 2 and 3 at Amarillo, Texas.

“The team did extremely well against some of the toughest teams in the Panhandle,” Encinias said. “We did well despite having some green guys in some of the weight classes.”

Of the strong returning wrestlers Encinias said was very pleased with the efforts of Raymond Jimenez, Ryan Fought, Mike Fazekas, Casey Romero, Josh Enriquez and Michael Martinez.

“With each match we are getting better,” Encinias said. “Even our first year guys are learning a lot and that is going to help them develop into better wrestlers.”

The Rattlers wrestle at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Rattler invite at Tucumcari.