Tucson Wrestler Ernie Perez Dominates at USA Wrestling Kids Nationals

Ernie Perez, a young wrestler from Tucson, Arizona, has made a name for himself in the world of youth wrestling. The 14-year-old recently captured the 102-pound freestyle title at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals, cementing his status as a rising star in the sport.

Unleashing His Potential on the National Stage

Freestyle Dominance

Ernie Perez's journey to the top of the podium at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals was nothing short of impressive. The eighth-grader-to-be breezed through the competition, winning all four of his matches, including the championship bout by technical fall. His decisive victories showcased his exceptional skills and tactical prowess on the mat.Perez's path to the title was marked by a series of dominant performances. In the opening round, he received a bye, setting the stage for his subsequent triumphs. In the second round, he defeated Mack Karmon from Florida by a technical fall score of 13-2, demonstrating his ability to overwhelm his opponents.Advancing to the quarterfinals, Perez faced off against Adonis Washington from Illinois, emerging victorious with a 15-6 decision. This victory propelled him to the semifinal round, where he squared off against Isaac Weber from Wisconsin. Perez emerged victorious in a close 8-6 decision, earning his spot in the championship match.In the title bout, Perez faced off against Nathan Matthis from Maryland. Showcasing his technical mastery and relentless pace, Perez secured a technical fall victory with a score of 13-2, cementing his status as the 14U USA Wrestling Kids Nationals freestyle 102-pound champion.

Greco-Roman Accolades

Ernie Perez's wrestling prowess extends beyond freestyle, as he has also found success in the Greco-Roman style of the sport. Just a month prior to his freestyle triumph, Perez captured the USA Wrestling West Regional titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the event held in Herriman, Utah.In the national Greco-Roman competition at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals, Perez's performance was equally impressive. He earned the prestigious All-American status by placing seventh in the event, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a wrestler.

Mentorship and Training

Ernie Perez's success can be attributed, in part, to the guidance and training he has received from his coach, Danny Vega. Vega, a former state championship wrestler himself, has been instrumental in Perez's development over the past five years as a member of the Tucson Cyclones Wrestling team.Under Vega's tutelage, Perez has honed his skills, refined his technique, and cultivated the mental toughness required to excel at the highest levels of youth wrestling. The partnership between Perez and Vega has been a driving force behind the young wrestler's remarkable achievements.

A Promising Future

Ernie Perez's triumph at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and natural talent. As he prepares to enter the eighth grade, the future looks bright for this young wrestling prodigy.With his impressive performances in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, Perez has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of youth wrestling. His ability to dominate his opponents and his versatility across different styles of the sport suggest that he has the potential to continue his success at higher levels of competition.As Perez continues to hone his skills and refine his craft under the guidance of Coach Vega, the wrestling community eagerly awaits his next chapter. With his unwavering determination and the support of his coaches and family, Ernie Perez is poised to make an even greater impact on the sport in the years to come.