HONORS: Liberty coach exceeds second-year expectations with award

Liberty coach Rich Muraco had high expectations for his wrestling team entering the season, but he felt the first Southeast League title in program history might have been too lofty.

“Honestly, going into the season, I really felt like second place would be the best we’d finish,” he said. “Green Valley was a loaded team.”

But the Patriots exceeded their own goals, toppling perennial power Green Valley, 42-31, on the way to a 6-0 record in Southeast duals.

Area coaches took notice and voted Muraco the Coach of the Year on the All-Southern Nevada Wrestling Team.

“I was very flattered and honored,” the second-year head coach said. “We’ve come a long way in the last two years as far as our record goes. It’s nice when your peers recognize all the work you put in.”

Liberty finished 4-2 in the Southeast last season.

Muraco pointed to the Patriots’ veteran core of wrestlers as the biggest reason for the rise to the top.

Leading the way were senior 140-pounder Michael Reveles (46-6) and junior 160-pounder Rudy Reveles (44-6), who were both second-team honorees. Michael Reveles finished second at the state meet, and Rudy Reveles took fourth.

Senior 145-pounder Nolan Vicuna (54-9) set a program record for victories in a season.

“We’re real proud of how hard the kids worked,” Muraco said. “All the offseason work we put in paid off.”

Bishop Gorman senior Steven Hernandez was named Sunset Region Wrestler of the Year. Hernandez, a 152-pounder who has signed with Boise State, finished 40-2 and became the eighth wrestler in Nevada history to win a fourth state title.

Las Vegas High junior Napoleon Aniciete was named Sunrise Wrestler of the Year after capping a 52-4 season with a 140-pound state championship.