Senior-Laden Gila Ridge Hawks Dominate Pinnacle 54-24 on Senior Night

A senior-loaded Gila Ridge squad dominated from the opening whistle, rolling to a 54-24 victory over the Pinnacle Pioneers at Hawks Gym on Jan. 15 to improve to 11-1.

The Hawks set the tone early with intense wrestling and crisp execution in front of a packed home crowd honoring their graduating class. Senior pins by Pedro Luna, Andersen LeSueur, Zach Lines and Adam Kempton energized the gym and helped seal a comprehensive team victory that coaches and community members will point to as a season highlight.

LeSueur, who transferred to Gila Ridge after a difficult freshman year at Perry High School, highlighted the role the program played in rekindling his love of the sport. "I love wrestling here," LeSueur said. "I joined as a sophomore, and I just love it. I love the team, the coaching staff and the support. I love all of it. It’s amazing."

Lines emphasized the deeper ties that come with a senior class built around mentorship and camaraderie. "Ever since I was a freshman, there were so many seniors you look up to," Lines said. "I wanted to get my hand raised. It’s the best feeling in the world, and to do it on senior night with your friends and family watching is one of the greatest things."

The meet was more than a scoreboard milestone. Senior night spotlighted how high school athletics serve as a local health and social asset, providing structured physical activity, social connectedness and role modeling for younger students. For Yuma County, where access to extracurricular opportunities can vary by neighborhood and school, the visibility of a successful senior class underscores the importance of consistent investment in school programs that promote adolescent wellbeing.

Following the home victory, the Hawks were set to hit the road for the 59th Annual Flowing Wells Invitational the following weekend as they keep their sights on the state tournament in late February. The stretch run will test depth and injury management, areas where school athletic trainers, coaches and district support play a key role in keeping athletes safe and competitive.

For local families and school officials, the Hawks’ performance on senior night is a reminder that community backing matters. Continued attendance, volunteerism and equitable funding for sports programs contribute not only to competitive results but also to mental and physical health outcomes for Yuma youth. As the season advances toward postseason play, Gila Ridge’s seniors leave a legacy that can help shape program priorities and community conversations about investing in young people’s health and opportunities.