Guerra eyes state wrestling title

PALMVIEW — Sam Mangum is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the Rio Grande Valley. He won state championships at two different weight classes, becoming the first Valley wrestler to win one and then two titles.

La Joya-Palmview senior Miguel Guerra doesn’t see any reason why he can’t be the next boys wrestler to win a state title and finish a season with an undefeated record.

“Sam Mangum did it, so why can’t I? asked the 152-pound Guerra, who enters this weekend’s state tournament at 24-0. “He came from the Valley just like me. He’s a Valley guy from McAllen. I can do it, too.”

If Guerra does emulate what Mangum did, he would continue the growth of Valley wrestling. He would also help Palmview’s profile increase as well.

Already this season, the Lobos won their first district championship, taking the District 31 title after sister-schools La Joya High and Juarez-Lincoln had done it before. Guerrra, however, sees plenty more room for the sport to grow at his school.

“It’s a new school, new guys are coming down and I’m well-respected in the school. I want wrestling to be noticed down here, especially Palmview,” Guerra said. “We don’t even have our own wrestling room. (La Joya) has it and so does (Juarez-Lincoln), so we’re like ‘We’re the only school that doesn’t have it.’

“We became district champions without a wrestling room and we didn’t have what the other schools have,” Guerra added. “We want to get our principal noticing, La Joya ISD noticing.”

One person who has already noticed what Guerra has meant to the program is coach Mario Montelongo. Along with brother Eli Guerra, Miguel Guerra has been a leader for the young and fledgling program.

Without them next season, Montelongo said there will be a void.

“It’s been very crucial. He pushes everyone and gets them going,” Montelongo said. “He leads by example, so him and his brother, they’re going to be missed. They’re the leaders and the core of the team.”

If Miguel Guerra accomplishes what he hopes, he might leave them in better shape.

Brian Sandalow covers high school wrestling for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4436 or via e-mail at bsandalow@themonitor.com.