October 18 & 19, 2024
Location: Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North
5151 San Francisco Rd. Ne, Albuquerque, NM, US
Room Reservations open on Monday, September 30, 2024
$139.00 (Includes Breakfast) Must book by October 9, 20224
Book your group rate for NMHSCA Wrestling and Basketball

• You can also call the front desk and let them

Registration Fee:  $100.00
(School-based members can register with a 100% discount.)

Friday, October 18 Wrestling Schedule
4:00 - 4:50: Scott Owen, NMAA Wrestling Rules Clinic
5:00 - 5:40: Chris Freije, NM Highlands
5:50 - 6:30: Paul Vasquez, Sahuarita HS (Arizona)
6:40 - 7:20 pm: Richard Montoya, 3L UNM School of Law

7:30 All-Star Wrestling Conversation & Social

Saturday, October 19, 2024: Wrestling Schedule

"On the mat" 9:00 - 9:50 am: Chris Freije, NM Highlands
"On the mat" 10:00 - 10:50 am: Paul Vasquez, Sahuarita HS 
"On the mat" 11:00 - 11:50 pm: Richard Montoya, UNM Law

Scott Owen is a notable figure in New Mexico wrestling. He serves as the Assistant Director of Sports at the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA), overseeing wrestling, powerlifting, tennis, and other sports.

Scott Owen comes from a family with a rich wrestling heritage. The first of the foursome chronologically was Eric Scott, who graduated from Carlsbad High School as a three-time state champion. He then matriculated at Northern Illinois University, becoming a two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler.

In his role at the NMAA, Scott Owen is responsible for managing and promoting wrestling programs across the state, ensuring that they run smoothly and effectively. His contributions have been instrumental in the development and success of wrestling in New Mexico.

Paul Vasquez is the head coach of the Sahuarita High School boys’ wrestling team in Arizona. Under his leadership, the team has achieved significant success, including winning the Arizona state championships for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024). Vasquez has been recognized for his coaching excellence, being named the Arizona Boys’ Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) in 2023.

The Sahuarita wrestling program has seen a remarkable transformation since Vasquez took over, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams achieving high levels of success12. The boys’ team has consistently finished at the top in state championships, and the girls’ team, in its inaugural year, finished as state runners-up

Rico Montoya, also known as Richard Montoya, is a distinguished former wrestler from Las Vegas, New Mexico. He made a significant mark in the wrestling world during his high school and college years. Montoya attended Robertson High School, where he became the second five-time state champion in the school’s history and one of only five in New Mexico1. His high school career was highlighted by an impressive record of 142-41.

Montoya continued his wrestling career at the University of Northern Colorado, where he excelled both athletically and academically. He was a two-time NCAA qualifier and earned multiple accolades, including being named to the Academic All-Big 12 Wrestling First Team and the NWCA All-Academic Team1. In 2019, he was honored as the Big 12 Wrestling Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a testament to his dedication and excellence in both wrestling and academics2.

After completing his undergraduate degree in Human Services and a master’s degree in Sport Administration with a perfect 4.0 GPA2, Montoya transitioned to a new challenge. He is currently attending law school at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where he continues to demonstrate his commitment to excellence and his passion for making a positive impact.

Montoya’s journey from a successful wrestler to a dedicated law student showcases his versatility and determination. His story is an inspiration to many, reflecting the values of hard work, perseverance, and academic achievement.

"We couldn't be happier to have Chris be our Head Wrestling Coach. He's not only experienced, but extremely passionate about Wrestling and we're excited to see him find success with the program," said Co-Director of Athletics Shanna Halalilo.  

Coach Freije brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Cowboy wrestling program. He is an NCAA DII National Finalist for Western Colorado University, an RMAC/Super Region IV champion who has competed both for Arizona State University and Western Colorado University.
 
During his coaching tenure, Chris has coached over 30 National Qualifiers, four NCAA DII National Champions, 16 NCAA DII All-Americans, 15 NCAA DII Super Region Champions, and Multiple NCAA DII Super Region finalists. Freije previously served as the Associate Head Coach at Lander University and has been instrumental in their rise to a top program in the country in only three seasons. Lander finished second in the 2023-24 NCAA Division II Championships. 

Originally from Arizona, Freije is a graduate of Mesa High School where he was a standout wrestler for the Jackrabbits.  Freije will use his extensive ties to the Southwest community in developing the wrestling program at NMHU.
 
"I'm ecstatic to be named the next head coach of New Mexico Highlands University Wrestling. I want to thank my family, and mentors for their support and guidance throughout the process. Along with them I want to thank Jim Deisler and Shanna Halalilo for being believing in my vision for the program moving forward," said Freije.  "There is a strong history of wrestling here in New Mexico and across the Southwest. The sport is also a great mesh with the traditions and culture of the region. Our focus is to bring in honest, hard-working, quality young men who have their sights set on becoming college graduates, consistently competing for RMAC and NCAA Championships and find enjoyment and gratitude for the daily process of moving towards attaining success."