When you see Lorenzo Peña wrestle, pay attention because it could be quick.
The junior Ignacio High School wrestler has the size, the athleticism, the focus and the lineage to go all the way for a Colorado High School Activities Association state wrestling championship in the 160 weight class.
Sitting at 33-2 on the year and currently ranked fourth in state in his weight class, Peña took first place at last weekend’s Butch Melton Invitational at Ignacio High School when he took down Bayfield’s Macoy Michaeli via pinfall.
It was one of those performances where spectators couldn’t help but notice the focus Peña brought.
“Last week when he picked up those two losses in matches where we were winning, I think that lit a fire under him,” Ignacio head coach Jordan Larsen said. “I’d say he is headed for a peak at the right time of the year.”
Peña, 16, received his only two losses of the season at the Screamin’ Eagle tournament in Paonia on Jan. 23 when he lost to Wade Katzdorn of Hotchkiss via pinfall and Chase Rule of Meeker by a 5-3 decision. Peña finished in fifth place and those two losses gave him reason to believe he has a date with destiny.
On the mat, Peña is a force to be reckoned with. He’s short, but stout, which gives him great leverage for takedowns. He’s also the type of person who knows what was laid before him and understands the value of hard work.
Wrestling runs in his blood. His two older brothers are former Ignacio wrestlers who have etched their names in Ignacio’s legacy. The oldest brother, Alex, is the only three-time state champion in school history between 2009-2011 at the 112 and 119 weight classes. Middle brother, Ike, holds the Ignacio record for most takedowns in a season when he had 56 in 2015.
“One of the things that he brings is his dedication,” said Larsen. “Over the course of the season, he might have missed one practice and it was optional. He’s there every day, at every morning practice, and even when we do two-a-days he makes every one of those. That’s something you can’t replace.”
When he’s not making opponents cringe with pain, he’s all smiles. The Bobcats’ junior is respectful and brings leadership on and off the mat. He has a funny nickname, “Woody” which was given to him by his parents, Kenneth and Shasta Peña when he was young because he carried around a toy Woody from ‘Toy Story.’ The nickname stuck and so did the wrestling genes.
“As far as on the mat, he brings intensity,” said Larsen. “Obviously he’s a very emotional wrestler and when Woody gets emotional, it picks up the intensity of the rest of the team, which is a very leader-like quality. He’s very quiet and very respectful. Overall a really good kid. I’ve never seen him disrespect someone. He rides bulls and he’s a tough kid. He’s quiet and smiles a lot.”
One of Peña’s hobbies is bull riding, which breeds a unique toughness.
Peña said that one of his proudest achievements was being named a champion novice bull rider in Durango and junior champion in Pagosa Springs two summers ago.
Peña draws inspiration from his father who he said has taught him everything he knows. And what Peña knows is wrestling hard-fought matches.
“What makes (wrestling) tough is wrestling kids from all over the state,” said Peña. “You never know how good they are. They train really hard just like they should, but the toughest part though is the mental toughness and to have discipline.”
When it comes to wrestling, Peña is all business. He’s a man with no superstitions, just hard training. His pre-match warmup consists of two laps around the gym, stretching and working on moves. He tries to stay loose and then does a “live” match to prepare with a teammate to get the mindset in. More times than not, it’s a winning formula.
“It feels great to win, it makes you feel good when all the hard work from the week pays off,” said Peña.“I really hope to take state this year.”
He will have a chance to leave his own mark when it’s all said and done.
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
behind the scenes
Who is your favorite athlete?: Professional bull rider J.B. Mauney.
What’s your favorite sports movie?: ‘Friday Night Lights’
Who is your celebrity crush?: Country musician Kacey Musgraves
Do you have any hidden talents?: Bull riding
Do you have any nicknames?: Woody
What ourdoor activities do you do?: Hunting, fishing and looking for deer and elk horns.
What would your dream vacation be?: To go to West Virginia and visit my cousin.
Which teacher has influenced you the most?: My welding teacher and former wrestling coach Mr. Haga.
What’s your favorite subject?: Welding
