After finishing third in the state wrestling tournament two years in a row, the senior was crowned champion this season.
(Courtesy photo) Sprinvgille senior Tevita Valeti is a three-sport star who won the Class 5A wrestling title at 190 pounds.
Tevita Valeti
school: springville
School year: Senior
Sports: soccer, wrestling, rugby
Tevita Valeti was often bothered by things like losing the first point in a big match, like when she finished third at the state wrestling tournament her sophomore and junior years.
But Valeti overcame that hurdle during his senior year. At the recent Class 5A state tournament, the Springville senior dropped the first point, but then defeated opponent Andre Leota of Olympus at 190 pounds to win the state title.
“This year, I felt like I was more motivated and had more energy. I just went out and wrestled,” said Valeti, who finished the grappling season with a 36-3 record. “He scored, but I didn't get upset. That surprised me a lot.”
(Courtesy photo) Sprinvgille senior Tevita Valeti is a three-sport star who won the Class 5A wrestling title at 190 pounds.
In fact, Valeti's wrestling season was impressive. Perhaps his accomplishments in football were even more remarkable, as the 5-11 running back ran for 1,769 yards and an astonishing 29 touchdowns.
The Red Devil standout will continue his time on the gridiron at New Mexico State Military Academy in the fall. Meanwhile, club rugby season has arrived for Valeti.
“This sport is basically just for fun and to make friends. It keeps me in shape for football and other sports and other things,” he said.
