| Hello my name is Abner Lopez Jr. My parents are Abner and Marisela Lopez. I am a sixteen years old and a Junior attending Spanish Springs High school. I love to hunt and fish; I mostly fly fish but every so often I will bass fish. I started wrestling at the age of six years old. I found wrestling after my football coach Nacho Ruiz recommended it to me. In the beginning of my career I wasn’t too fond of this sport, but with my parents guidance I started to love the sport. |
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| I started my career with Panther Cubs Wrestling which is the youth club for North Valleys. My first year I could count my amount of wins on one hand. After my first season, I wanted to give up and quit in fear of embarrassing myself anymore. Thankfully with the help of my parents I became who I am today. After my second year of wrestling my parents and I bounced around wrestling clubs until we found Nevada Elite. |
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| During this time I met coaches–Sorgani, Mumm, Sully, and Staggs. Most of my wrestling career has been spent at Nevada Elite. I would say that they have ultimately had the biggest impact on my career. Starting off my High School career I placed 2nd at Regionals and 4th at State as a Freshman. I was very proud of myself and excited to see what was waiting for me in the upcoming years. My Sophomore year I won Regionals and went into Ttate as the Second Seed–to my disappointment I ended the season empty-handed. |
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| After my disappointing loss at State I didn’t waste any time during the off-season. Immediately after State I took home the belt at Rumble in Reno. On my quest to compete at NHSCA I found Silver State Wrestling Academy with coach Joey Ghione and Alex Klucker. This change has benefitted me for improving skill and partner-wise as well. With one month of training I made a run at NHSCA going 5-2. After my Virginia Beach run, I knew that Silver State was the right fit for me. |
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| Throughout the summer I spent alot of time training with Joey and Klucker. This lead up to a four weight-class jump, and an amazing start to my Junior season. I recently just placed 7th at Reno TOCs after making a 7-2 run. I praise my coaches at Silver State and my High School coaches, Joe Imelli, Christian White and Steve Gresko. Through my eight years of wrestling its been a roller coaster, but my coaches and partners always make the sport better. I am thankful for everyone who has been through my journey, and now it is time to become a State Champion at 150. |
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