It’s not often that 9-year-olds set personal goals for themselves, but Orcutt fourth grader Saul Paz isn’t your typical kid—he’s a state champion wrestler.
Paz has been wrestling at All-American Elite Athletics for the past four years, and last year, Paz played a season of football before returning to the mat. He fought through a state tournament last season but didn’t place.
He was disappointed with his performance, according to his mom, Lizeth Paz, so he decided to give up football to focus on becoming a champion wrestler.
As a result, he achieved his goal and became the 71-pound champion at this year’s California USA Wrestling State Championships.
“Saul is a leader on the team and a pleasure to coach,” said coach Anthony Dakuras. “He has a great attitude, never gives up, and he is always trying his hardest, and that is why he has been successful.”
This article appears in Mar 21-28, 2019.