By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

PHOENIX — After the clock ran out on the sixth and final Canyon View state individual title Feb. 22, the owner of that title raised his fists toward Jaguar fans in the Veterans Coliseum crowd.

It was a simple-yet-powerful gesture that symbolizes how much the Jaguar boys have taken over the Division II Arizona wrestling world the past few years.

Tavier Garcia finished off his 165-pound final — a major-decision 12-2 win over a 45-win Arizona College Prep opponent — with the kind of calm energy the Jaguars displayed throughout the last day of the state tournament.

The Jags’ six state champions and 10 top-six placers paced them to a domination of Division II. Canyon View’s 239.5 team points were nearly double the 120.5 of runner-up Campo Verde.
Coach Joey Ortiz, who earned a state award for helping lead the Jags to their first state team title a year ago, said the focus this year has been less about accolades and more about self-improvement.

“This is a special group of guys that are self-motivated,” Ortiz said. “We have a strength and conditioning program that’s pretty good. We really push the idea of wrestling to the best of one’s ability.”

Ortiz said he hopes CVHS teams can keep a “tidal wave” going in terms of excelling at as many sports as possible.

On the final day of state, sophomore Chris Ramirez won the team’s first 2025 state title of the afternoon when he pinned his 113-pound finals opponent in the second round.

At 120 pounds, Breidyn Ralls capped his freshman year with a hard-earned decision over a Buena opponent.

Gabriel Ramirez then capped a 50-win senior season with a late pin of his 126-pound finals foe. Ramirez pinned all four of his state-tourney opponents.

Matthew Krawczenko, at 132, also pinned all four of his opponents at state, including a 93-second pin in the final.

Charles Laws-Albano closed out his career as a Jaguar with a 4-2 win in the 150 final to win another state title. That was easily his closest match of state.
Garcia then wrapped up the titles with his win at 165.

Two other Jaguars made their finals. Kolton Frye was the runner-up at 106 pounds. Freshman Steven Robles, at 138, couldn’t quite beat undefeated Anthony Lopez in their final, though Robles gave the Ironwood junior all he could handle, losing 12-7.

Freshman Brody Wiora bounced back from a first-round loss at 157, eventually capturing fifth place.

David Rojas placed sixth at 175 pounds.

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Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.