By Don Ketchum

In some ways, the Peoria Wrestling Invitational Tournament of Champions on Friday and Saturday is just as important as the state tournament.

That is especially true for Holbrook High and its defending Division IV state champion, R.J. Alvarado.

Alvarado, a senior who won the title at 130 pounds and is wrestling at 132 this year, is eager to compete against the state’s top wrestlers, regardless of division. Located in northeast Arizona along Interstate 40, Holbrook is the only Division IV school to enter.

“It will be a challenge, but we want to show people what kind of school and team we are,’’ Alvarado said.

Alvarado has long shown what kind of wrestler he is. He began at age 5 and has wrestled at Holbrook all four years.

“He has very good natural skills and just as important, he hates to lose,’’ said Holbrook coach John Bokker.

Alvarado has a 26-1 record this season with 22 pins and already has won two tournaments.

He said he has improved since last season, due to working with a couple of college wrestlers from his home area and having wrestling workouts and competition on weekends during the summer at Camp Verde.

“You have to work hard. You’re not going to get better unless you do,’’ Alvarado said.

Wrestling is a special sport, he said.

“You are with guys every day. It’s like a family. You take care of each other and have fun together.’’

Alvarado is ready to take care of business in the Peoria. He will assess his opponent in the early moments of the match, then adjust accordingly.

“I want to see what they do, how they step, then get in on them and take them down,’’ he said. “You have to be quick, and you have to be smart about what you’re doing.’’

He has shown a lot of improvement in the classroom, particularly the last two years when he has had mostly A’s and B’s.

“My first two years were tough, but you learn how to do it,’’ he said. “The discipline you learn in wrestling helps you in school, helps make you more mature.’’

Alvarado also played on the Holbrook soccer team during its fall season. He hopes to attend Mesa Community College and will try to continue in both of his sports.