Carlsbad's Adrian Flaco a sturdy competitor
CARLSBAD -- Adrian Flaco embodies the power of a Ford F-150 and the speed and smoother movement of a Ford Mustang, which has allowed him to win matches in multiple scenarios against other wrestlers in the 220-pound weight class.
The Carlsbad senior complements his larger frame with explosiveness, consistency and a hunger for victory.
Also playing right guard for the Cavemen football team, Flaco said his time on the gridiron has helped him fight off opponents and attack them faster on the mat. As a result, he moves his hips and feet with more speed and he can grab onto opponents faster.
“Everything you earn is what you deserve in this sport. Wrestling’s just taught me how to be brutal with each and every match. Strength is great, but speed is king. Speed will win you matches, speed will get you out of a tough situation usually,” Flaco, 18, said.
Coach Ryan Salcido said Flaco’s hips and tie-ups helped him win the 220-pound championship at last Saturday’s Joe Vivian Classic tournament in Albuquerque.
“Guys go in there trying to throw him and bully him, and they just can’t do it. He has great footwork, and his speed is phenomenal. His speed is what gets him out of trouble,” Salcido said.
Salcido said even though there were times Flaco has been tossed around a bit, the 5-foot-10 Flaco is able use his hips to accelerate again on the attack and regain control. Salcido also said Flaco has “natural ability and natural balance” to where he can steady himself and not get overpowered.
Salcido said that’s why Flaco’s able to win in different scenarios, from quick bouts of two minutes or less to applying a big arm-lock or takedown when a match goes four or five minutes.
“Being able to end it quickly, then in your next match being able to go the distance, it helps me make it through [with] these tougher opponents,” said Flaco, who has wrestled since he was 4 years old. “Consistency has been a major part of my wrestling career so far.”
Salcido said the other Cavemen wrestlers are confident in Flaco's efforts.
"They know Adrian’s going to get it done for them, get it kick started for them,” Salcido said. “This guy’s given absolutely everything he has in every practice he comes to and everything he does. We’re pushing him as hard as we can because we don’t want him to have any regrets.”
Flaco said being a strong example for the younger wrestlers motivates him to push his own limits at practice and in live bouts.
After securing fourth place in the 220-pound weight class in his first state tournament appearance at the 2015 New Mexico National Guard State Wrestling Championships during his junior year, Flaco continues to produce strong results and build up his résumé.
Aside from winning the 220-pound title at the Joe Vivian Classic, Flaco took second place in the 220-pound division at the Albuquerque Invite Tournament at La Cueva High last month. He’s also secured multiple victories in other tournaments so far this year.
Flaco, who hopes to wrestle in college somewhere in Colorado, brings a strong motor and work ethic to the Cavemen wrestling program – and that’s why he will be missed after he graduates this spring.
“Guys like Adrian don’t ever get replaced. Filling that spot, it’s a lot of work. He's just a man; that's his heart,” Salcido said, adamant that Flaco can wrestle at least at the NCAA Division II level in college.
Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.