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Of the 51 Boys and Girls traveling to Rio Rancho for the 2025 State Wrestling Championships, LCHS Freshman Kolby Gonzalez (145) and Gadsden’s Mathius Soto (133) return with some hard-earned gold around their necks.
A Las Cruces Digest Report
Source: New Mexico Activities Association
Photos via Facebook: Courtesy
Related Story: “Las Cruces High School Sending Sixteen of the 51 Local Student Athletes to Rio Rancho for the 2025 New Mexico Wrestling Championship“
Kolby Gonzales
The Las Cruces High School wrestling teams headed to Rio Rancho with hopes of bringing home a state championship. Freshman Kolby Gonzales delivered with a 9-1 decision over Volcano Vista’s Xzavier Salazar in the final match of the season.
Even as a freshman, the Bulldawgs wrestler is no stranger to championship-level matches. Last year, he brought home 3rd Place in the 5A 139 lb division. The manner in which he reached third position was a demonstration of grit and determination. Gonzales was decisioned (5-3) in his second match against Justin Owens of Carslbad. Bouncing back, Gonzales felled his next two opponents (Martinez/Atrisco Heritage and Cordova/Los Lunas) to face off a second time against Carlsbad’s Justin Owens. For 3rd Place honors, Gonzales garnered a Major Decision (11-2) win against Owens, earning the medal… and redemption for his earlier defeat.
This year, Kolby Gonzales left nothing to chance, winning four straight matches to take the 145 lb. title.
Mathius Soto
Gadsden High School has long been a sleeper school when it comes to wrestling. Their proximity to the Texas state line entices them to cross over and compete against some of the much larger schools in the Lone Star State. That experience proved valuable for 133 lb. wrestler Mathius Soto.
Last year, Soto fell one match short, claiming second in the state. Last year’s finals match was the last time Soto has lost. This year, Mathius gutted out a 6-5 decision against Cleveland’s Marcus Abeyta. It should be repeated in case the reference above was unclear–Mathius Soto finishes the 2025 wrestling season and his senior year undefeated… 48-0.
Other Finishes of Note…
- Carlos Gamboa (Las Cruces High School): Wrestled six matches to take 3rd Place in the Boys 160
- Riley Mendez (Las Cruces High School): 4th Boys 189
- Alessio Cisneros (Las Cruces High School): 3rd Boys 215
- Isiah Sanchez (Santa Teresa High School): 3rd Boys 160
- Paige Jorge (Centennial High School): 3rd Girls 165
- Aliyah Salas (Centennial High School): 4th Girls 185
- Jennifer Rico (Santa Teresa): 3rd Girls 235
