Andres “Rambo Lopez NM 

Balance Dedication and Humility 

WIN Magazine’s “RMN’s Events Feature” column revealed the compelling story of a 7th-grade wrestler from Las Vegas (NM), Andres “Rambo” Lopez. (April 6, 2023) A multiple tournament champion, Rambo is unassuming but nonetheless aware that his success has inspired their small community and the Dons Wrestling Club, coached by his father, Chris, who also doubles as the town sheriff. In fact, the local town newspaper recently reprinted the article for everyone to share the spotlight.

 “Rambo’s goal for next season is to earn RMN’s Triple Crown (titles in 3 states) and the Golden Gear (4 RMN championships),” cited Chris one year ago. The 2023 article stated: “In New Mexico, where 8th graders compete in the high school division, Rambo seeks to eventually become a 5-time state champ and earn a college scholarship to compete for Iowa.”

Yet Andres is not one to rest on his laurels. Five days a week, Rambo works out in the gym, targeting different muscle groups. “To wrestle at a higher level and continue to have success, I have had to work on my neutral position, especially hand control and set-ups to establish the best position to attack.” 

Monday's gym workout focuses on the chest with the flat bench and incline dumbbell. Tuesday works on the arms with standing curls, triceps pull-downs, and far grip hammer curls. On Wednesday, the goal is to strengthen the back and shoulders with the military press. For Thursday’s iron work, he shifts attention to his legs, including squats with leg bar extensions, leg curls, Bulgarian split squads, and shoulder quats. Fridays begin with one hundred pull-ups, and then he makes up any missed workouts. When he gets closer to competition, Rambo does ten rope climbs every night and works out on the exercise bike. 

8th-graders in New Mexico are eligible to compete for their high school team. Competing for West Las Vegas and coached by his father, he incurred a narrow, early loss to Belen’s Joshua Jaramillo. Focusing on improving his foot and hand work on his feet and mastering a dependable escape or reversal, Rambo ramped up his preparation. Heading into the NM High School Championships, Rambo was seeded #2 at 4A 107 pounds to Jaramillo. 

Opening with two quick falls (0:52 and 2:16), he major-decisioned MIYA’s Josiah Gonzales (16-2) in the semi-finals. To accomplish his ambitious goal of winning five state championships, he had to avenge his only season loss as an 8th-grader against the Belen senior. In the finals, a more aggressive Rambo forced Jaramillo to wrestle his match. Wrestling to win, rather than wrestling not to lose, Andres won in a dominating fashion with an 8-2 score, which established him on the New Mexico high school stage. – Bill X. Barron

Twelve months later: In Rambo's 22-23 RMN season, he went 55-5, winning 14 RMN events. In June of that year, he ultimately achieved his goal of earning the Triple Crown and Golden Gear awards he had set out to earn by winning the coveted Rocky Mountain Nationals Tournament in the 15U division, which is the last leg required for the awards.

Rambo entered the 2023-24 school season as an 8th grader chasing his next goal, which was to achieve an NM State High School Championship title and set himself on a path toward becoming one of the few five-time state champions in New Mexico. He worked tirelessly toward this goal and was able to accomplish it in the 106-pound weight class with a 40-1 record. 

After the school season, Rambo returned to his 23-24 RMN season, accumulating a 70-3 record while winning 13 RMN events while competing in both the 15U and 18U divisions. Rambo was able to achieve titles in both divisions at the Rocky Mountain Nationals, which allowed him to earn the Ring of Fame, the organization's highest award in the 15U division, as well as the World Belt, RMN's second-highest award in the 18U division.

As Rambo prepares to begin his 24-25 wrestling campaign, he understands the importance of focus, hard work, dedication, and humility. He also understands the importance of continuously improving on the flaws of his game if he wants to continue his path towards achieving the goals he has set for himself. 

Rambo and our family are extremely grateful for the bonds we have forged, the friendships we have been blessed with, and most of all, the wrestling family we have come to know from across the country! It has allowed us to share a special moment in time with many great people. – Chris and Anita Lopez