In last week’s 42-3 thrashing of Hastings, seventh-ranked Barajas won by technical fall, 17-1, over Connor Blanco, who is the fifth-ranked wrestler in the NAIA North Qualifying Group. The native of Heyward, Calif., recorded three takedowns and nine nearfall points in the process of improving his records to 21-9 overall and 8-0 against GPAC opponents.
Since transferring from Sacramento City Community College, Barajas has compiled a record of 39-24 with nine pins in two years in the Bulldog singlet. Last season Barajas qualified for the national championships after placing fourth in the 149-pound North bracket.
Barajas will attempt to earn a bid to the national championships for a second-straight season when he and 11 other Bulldogs compete at Saturday’s North regional hosted by York College. The top four finishers in each weight class, as well as 15 at-large selections, will advance to nationals on March 6-7 in Topeka, Kan.
2015 GPAC wrestlers of the week
Feb. 17 – Enrique Barajas, Concordia
Feb. 10 – Brent Curtis, Morningside
Feb. 3 – Kevin Corbett, Doane
Jan. 27 – Kodie Cole, Concordia
Jan. 20 – Sterling Terry, Midland
Jan. 13 – Rulin Pederson, Morningside
Jan. 7 – Sterling Terry, Midland