Wrestlers from throughout Western Colorado and even from other states traveled to Nucla over the weekend to attend a wrestling clinic led by two elite college wrestlers, Nelson Brands and Austin DeSanto. Head wrestling coach for the Nucla Mustangs Rob McCabe told the San Miguel Basin Forum on Sunday afternoon the event held last Friday afternoon and all day on Saturday in the brand new school facility was a great success.
McCabe has known Brands, D-1 wrestler for the University of Iowa, since he was a child. McCabe used to teach and coach in the Pagosa Springs area and has been acquainted with Brands and his family there.
McCabe previously suggested to Brands the idea of coming to Nucla to lead a clinic for young people. Less than a month ago, Austin DeSanto, also a D-1 wrestler from the University of Iowa, decided that he wanted to come too.
McCabe said both guys are well known in college wrestling, and as a result, the clinic “blew up.” More than 80 students from the area and beyond attended.
Approximately 25 from Nucla were there, with roughly 12 from Norwood and another 12 from Dove Creek too. And, several traveled from the Grand Junction area, as well as from Montrose, Cedaredge, Olathe and Meeker. Two athletes came all the way from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and one came from Moab.
McCabe said it was great to have such a geographically diverse dynamic. Many people were astounded at the size of Nucla and had never been to the West End. DeSanto, who hails from the outskirts of Philadelphia, said he had never been in a town so small. Though, at the same time, many reported that they were impressed by the landscape.
Brands and DeSanto shared wrestling techniques, offering their expertise. They also conducted question and answer sessions for the kids attending. McCabe said some of the questions were about wrestling, and others were about life in general.
McCabe said both D-1 athletes enjoyed their time. In fact, Jackson McCabe, coach’s son, overheard DeSanto state that Nucla has been one of his favorite places to lead a clinic, due to kids remaining so engaged and willing to learn and listen.
McCabe said he’s proud of the kids who attended, and pleased that the local area made an impression on the some of the biggest guys in college wrestling.
Many coaches who brought students were also gracious and thanked McCabe for his effort in producing something that so many could be a part of.
“They appreciated what we were able to do and pull off here,” coach said.
Some parents stayed and watched the clinic, rather than just dropping their kids off.
McCabe said he’s grateful for participants, but also to Aimee Tooker, who donated rooms from the Vestal House to help house the visiting athletes. Additionally, he thanks Brandon Morris and Kobie Morris for helping pay for the guys’ plane tickets.
Brandie McCabe, coach’s wife, also helped with the planning and management of the clinic.
