Española Valley wrestling coach Gilbert Sandoval is hoping to see some history made this weekend during the state wrestling meet at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

The Sundevils have never had a girl standing on the podium receiving a medal, but Sandoval believes that sophomore Jazlynn Maestas just may be the one to change that.

“I have never had the honor of having one of our female wrestlers on the podium,” he said. “Her sister and her went to the state tournament last year but didn’t place, so this would be a first for me as coach to put her on the podium.”

Maestas finished fifth in the regionals at 100 lbs. two weeks ago, but she has had a strong season overall.

“She really represented throughout the season,” Sandoval said. “She had a phenomenal record and placing in the top three every time we went to a tournament throughout the regular season. Then she went out to regionals and placed fifth. It’s a great accomplishment.”

Pojoaque Valley also has strong contenders on the girls side with Mariah Leyba taking first in the regionals at 120 lbs. and Natalie Romero taking second at the regionals at 140 lbs., so both should be contending for a medal, if not a state championship All classifications of girls wrestle together, with the top six finishers in each weight class at the two regionals earning a state tournament berth.

On the boys side, 5A has its own classification, while the remaining smaller schools compete together. The top seven finishers in each weight class qualify for state.

For Maestas, she now has the state experience to go along with her ability and work ethic, Sandoval said, raising his expectations for her.

“She’s a step above what she was last year,” Sandoval said. “She just keeps on getting better and better. She’s seen what it takes to place. She’s worked very hard in the room. She’s definitely one of the top girls in the state.”

And that means he’s looking forward to seeing Maestas wearing some hardware Saturday night.

“My expectations are for her to get on the podium and place at state,” Sandoval said. “I know it’s going to be tough, but I think she can place. She’s got a very, very good chance. She’s beat some of these top girls throughout the season. I’m looking forward to the weekend so that we can see what she can do. She’s really talented and hard working. When you work hard in the wrestling room, it pays off and it shows for itself.”

Likewise, that extra experience should be a benefit, as well.

“It’s a whole different environment at state,” Sandoval said. “You can feel the tension in the air. The atmosphere, it’s the big show. I think she got some stage fright last year. But being there last year will help her this year. She knows what she needs to do and will go out and get it done.”

On the boys side, the Elks are sending Edward Tapia, who was fourth at regionals at 120 lbs., and Elijah Gonzales, who was seventh at 132 lbs.

Likewise, Española Valley senior Izaac Rivera was a last chance qualifier, winning his seventh place match at 215 lbs.

Rivera wrestled as a freshman, then turned to other endeavors before returning for his final season.

“It’s a great accomplishment but it’s going to be really tough for him,” Sandoval said. “He did well. He battled and got that last match, where the winner goes to state and the loser goes home, season ends. So he pulled off a good one and got the big ticket to state. That’s pretty good. Can’t imagine what he would have done if he had stuck out all four years.”

Rivera is on the lighter side of weight bracket, but he didn’t want to drop down a weight so he’s primarily going to be facing heavier opponents, the coach said.

“I’m going to expect him to go out and battle tough,” Sandoval said. “He’s giving up a little bit of weight, but he has the potential to go out and get some upsets.”

“She’s a step above what she was last year. She just keeps on getting better and better.

EVHS coach Gilbert Sandoval talking about Jazlynn Maestas