School Story
I went to Garfield Jr. High School and desired to become a basketball player. But with competition such as my old buddies Kenny Beach, David Baca, David Romero, Mike VanDame and others, I had little chance of making the team and, of course, I was cut. As my dream was shattered a new opportunity arose for me. Mr. Wood, the math teacher, started a wrestling program. I joined along with Pat McNeely, Roger Tyson, and others. I continued wrestling at Valley and graduated in 1975 with a state title. I soon enrolled and wrestled at Central Arizona Jr. College. During this time, I was selected as a member of the United States Jr. Freestyle team and wrestled in the Jr. Pan American Games in San Salvador. In 1980, I enrolled and wrestled for New Mexico Highlands University where I received B.A. and M.A. degrees. In 2011, I was inducted into the Highlands University Athletic Hall Of Honor.
