What he did: Vega capped off his storied career by winning his third straight championship while helping the Nighthawks capture their first Division I team title. The 113-pound Vega posted a 39-0 record as a senior and finished his high school career with 116 straight wins, a streak that dates back to his sophomore season when he won his first state crown. In addition to winning his third straight state title, Vega collected victories at the Flowing Wells Invitational and the Reno Tournament of Champions. Vega also became Arizona’s first selection in 21 years to the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic, which is tabbed “The Rose Bowl of Wrestling.”
Top performance: Vega saved the best for last, when he cruised to the 113-pound title with two pins and two tech fall victories. His championship bout lasted just 2 minutes, 12 seconds before Vega won 15-0 to set the tone on a night Ironwood Ridge went on to capture its first team championship since 2013, when the Nighthawks were in Division II.
What’s next: Vega was signed with Grand Canyon University but the school announced last month that it was going to discontinue its wrestling program. He has since re-opened his recruitment and is looking at Arizona State, Iowa State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oregon State and Utah Valley. Vega says all his options remain open and he isn’t going to rush his decision.
Runner-up: Roman Bravo-Young, Sunnyside. The sophomore had a very strong argument to earn this honor once again, after he plowed his way through another perfect season, despite jumping up two weight classes. Bravo-Young, the Division I 106-pound champ as a freshman, won the 120-pound title with a tech fall and is a favorite to win again in each of the next two seasons.
