New Mexico wrestling standouts give back at Raton High School camp

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Former state champions Jesse Perez and Degan Baca spent the day helping develop the next generation of wrestlers as Raton’s young program continues to grow.

Just two years after restarting its wrestling program, Raton High School is already building momentum—and getting some help from two accomplished wrestlers. Former Deming High School standout Jesse Perez and Cleveland High School graduate Degan Baca spent Tuesday working with wrestlers at the Raton wrestling camp, sharing techniques, experiences and lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers.

“Coach Ayon hit me up and said, ‘Hey, I’m a Deming alum, and we just got our program started a few years ago, and we’d love to have you out here,’” Perez said. “I thought it sounded like a great opportunity to give back to kids that probably don’t get to see a lot of successful wrestlers or be a part of that kind of journey.”

“I think they’re all eager to learn, and that’s the first step,” Baca said. Baca, who wrestles at Life University in Georgia, connected with Perez during his collegiate career. Perez enjoyed a standout career at Life, winning an NAIA national championship before finishing at Northwestern.

During the camp, Baca said several wrestlers shared their goals of qualifying for and placing at the state tournament—goals he remembers having himself. “They were telling me how disappointed they were not qualifying for state and wanting to place at state,” Baca said. “I remember having those same goals and ambitions, so I really wanted to strive to help them.”

Both wrestlers hope camps like this continue to grow the sport across New Mexico while reminding young athletes that success comes from consistency long before the season begins.

“We do all this hard work and sometimes think we’re owed something because of it,” Perez said. “You have to have that chip on your shoulder, but at the same time, you have to be grateful that you’re there to compete.”

Baca echoed that message, emphasizing the importance of putting in the work during the offseason. “Summer-time wrestlers make winter-time champions,” Baca said. “Coming here over the summer and taking time out of their day means so much to these kids.”

As Raton’s wrestling program continues to grow, visits from accomplished New Mexico athletes like Perez and Baca are helping lay the foundation for the next generation of champions.