| My name is Tyson Cuamba, and I am so honored to be your NVSportsLocal Athlete of the Month. I am 17 years old, born and raised here in Las Vegas. I will be graduating from Green Valley High School this year. Growing up, my mom always encouraged me to do as many sports as possible to get out of my comfort zone. I was involved in basketball, baseball, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. I didn’t feel a love for any sports until I was introduced to wrestling, and from that moment on so much changed for me. |
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| My older brother Tim wrestled for Desert Oasis High School and was ranked top 5 in the state his Senior year. He also wrestled competitively with Pistol Wrestling, and convinced me to give it a shot, too. In the 7th grade, I joined Pistol Wrestling with Coach Pete Martin as my first coach. He cared about all of us kids and emphasized a strong work ethic. Coach Pete gave the club his all and only asked for the same in return. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better first coach. During my Sophomore year Pistol Wrestling transitioned into Gold Rush Wrestling Academy, and Coach Chase Pami took over. His wrestling style was different than what I was used to, but I trusted him, and became a stronger wrestler and better athlete because it. |
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Unlike most wrestlers who began training since elementary school, I had a late start. Immediately I learned the challenges that wrestling posed. This sport is physically and mentally demanding, the stakes and pressure are high, and constant movement is necessary to be successful. For me, wrestling challenged my mental fortitude, I purposely chose difficult opponents to train with to improve my skill level. Often, your mental strength will dictate the outcome of the match, even before stepping foot onto the mat. Resilience and perseverance became my biggest allies, and quitting was not an option |
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| My first year of high school I attended Liberty and was a Regionals Finalist with a 32-12 record. The following year I was a repeat Regionals Finalist, but this time placed 4th at State. In 2020 my family moved and that meant going to a different school, and I was now zoned for Green Valley High School. Unfortunately, soon after the pandemic hit, and I was unable to wrestle my Junior year. However, I used that time to train and focus on what I wanted to accomplish my Senior year. |
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Shortly after I began my Senior year, I learned that Bubba Jenkins was going to be the new wrestling coach. He was one of my biggest idols growing up. I would review footage of him and attempted to mimic his moves. Bubba helped me improve my skill set, but more importantly, strengthened my mental and emotional fortitude. He led by example, and showed me that you get back what you put in. Bubba taught me the power of believing in myself, and how on that mat, it’s me versus me.
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I was fortunate enough to have another Green Valley coach in my corner, Coach Mike Almodovar. He provided me with the support I needed to come back after a tough loss. He’s someone that I am always able to go to for advice. I also had a strong support system with my teammates; we looked out for each other and rallied around teamwork. |
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One of my primary goals Senior year was to win the State Final. My opponent was someone that I had competed against four previous times and defeated. However, due to a controversial call in the State Finals, I was unable to reach that goal. The mistake was obvious enough for a wrestling official to contact Coach Bubba and apologize for the poor call. After that disappointing moment, I realized how resilient I am, how mentally strong I had become, and how important my support system is to me.
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Despite this loss, l accomplished so much. I went on to place First at Holiday Classic, First at Chaparral Invite, First at Regionals, First at Bull Dog Grappler, Second at State, and Third at Cimmarron Invite. I concluded my Senior year with a 28-2 record. My overall record throughout my high school career is 3x Regional Finalist, Regional Champion, State placer, State Finalist, 2x Bull Dog Grappler Champion, Holiday Classic Champion, Chaparral Invite Champion, and named MVP for Green Valley in 2022. |
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| I would like to thank Pete Martin, Anselmo Gutierrez, Coach Bob, Chase Pami, Coach Mike, Coach Spencer and Coach Bubba Jenkins. I would like to especially thank my brother Tim Cuamba for being a strong role model for me. He pushes me to be better every day, doesn’t allow me to make excuses for myself, and shows me that quitting is never an option. These men have been great mentors and strong role models in my life, and I can’t thank them enough. I am also fortunate enough to have a strong and loving family that has always backed me and helped to mold me into the man I am today. |
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