Sabino's Echols caps perfect season by committing to Utah Valley

But it wasn’t until this week that he gave his flawless senior campaign an even more perfect ending.

Echols, who went 42-0 on the mat this winter while wrestling at 182 pounds, signed a national letter of intent with Utah Valley University on Wednesday, the first day of the spring signing period. His teammates, parents and coach Martin Chavez attended the occasion.

“After (my) sophomore year, I realized I could do big things so I just started working hard every day,” said Echols, who chose the Division I Wolverines over an offer from NAIA Embry-Riddle. “I couldn’t have asked for a better season. It really went perfect, pretty much.”

As a junior, Echols earned the No. 1 seed in the 160-pound bracket at the state meet but ended up finishing fourth. This year he made up for that disappointment by pinning his way to the finals and winning with a 15-3 decision to become the Sabercats’ first champion since Dominic Capanna won in February of 2000.

Although Echols was one of four undefeated state champions from Southern Arizona this season, he was the only undefeated wrestler in Division III and his weight class statewide.

“That was definitely a big accomplishment, but I’m never satisfied,” Echols said. “I’m always going to keep working hard and strive to be a national champion or All-American.”

Echols wasn’t the only local wrestler pledging to a Division I college Wednesday. Sunnyside 126-pound senior William Olivas, the Star’s Wrestler of the Year, signed with Grand Canyon University, joining fellow Blue Devil Gabe Gonzales.

Chavez, in his first year at Sabino, said he believes Echols can place in the top eight at nationals and become an All-American within two years.

“There’s not going to be a reason why he shouldn’t be because of his skill level and work ethic,” said Chavez, who has been in coaching for 15 years. “The season he had was one of the best I’ve ever seen as a coach. What he did this year was special.”

Echols is undecided on what he wants to study in college but plans on moving to Orem, Utah, almost immediately after graduation to being training for the season since he will likely start in his first season with the team. He has some extended family near the Utah Valley campus and is looking forward to the cold.

“Not every day that we get wrestlers from Tucson to go to a D-I school and have an opportunity to start at a freshman,” Chavez said.

“It’s awesome for the school and for the sport, but it’s awesome for him because he gets an opportunity that not many kids get.”