Animas High School’s David Etz managed to bring in National Wrestling Hall of Fame coach Richard Estrella to the Altitude Wrestling Camp, which is currently underway at Durango High School’s auxiliary gym.

The wrestling camp is Etz’s senior project with Animas High School. Etz, who wrestled for Durango High School, met Estrella while at a wrestling tournament in Flagstaff. DHS head coach Leo Garand was able to get Estrella to put on a short session with the team while on his way to Las Vegas for the 2015 World Wrestling Championships.

“He’ll bring a lot of his knowledge,” said Etz. “He’s coached in the Olympics and for some world championship teams. We can learn from him and our coach will learn what he can.”

Coach Estrella has been a professional coach for over 30 years including being an assistant coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team and the head coach of the 2008 team. In 2015, Estrella received a Legacy Award and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Money made from Etz’s camp will go towards a new wrestling mat for DHS, which runs around $10,000.

Etz planned the entire camp on his own and was able to get multiple sponsors for the event.

“It took a lot of work during school,” said Etz. “The school gave all the seniors a month and a half to work on the projects, which gave me time to get sponsors.”

The camp is $50 per participant for all ages and skill sets. Each participant will receive high-caliber technique sessions, learn what it takes to become a champion while being coached by Estrella. Each camp participant will also receive a T-shirt.

The camp began on Monday and will continue through Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. The camp is still welcoming in participants so it’s not too late to sign up.

To sign up or for more information, please contact Etz at altitudewrestling@gmail.com or at www.altitudewrestling.com.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com