Started in 1971, the TUSD Wrestling Tournament became the William Bell Tournament in 1992 to honor the passing of former University of Arizona wrestler and longtime Sabino head coach William Bell (1976-1991) who died in 1991 at the age 41 while jogging at Udall Park. In addition, the top wrestler of the tournament is named after former Pueblo standout Danny Villa who was killed by a drunk driver in 1973 after winning a state championship in 1972. Hector A. Lopez and Manny Galvan were also injured by the driver and Galvan went on to a become longtime coach and educator at Pueblo.
Galvan was present at the 2022 William Bell Tournament, held at Pueblo this past Friday and Saturday, along with former Pueblo state champion and younger brother of Danny Villa, Andy Villa, to present the 2023 Outstanding Wrestler recognitions to Tucson High standout Tae Cooper (126 champion) and to Pueblo standout Jozeph Smith (157). Smith is the son of former state champion and Pueblo head coach Josiah Smith.
Josiah’s father, Orlando Smith, is also a former state champion at Pueblo and he helped represent the 1975 state championship team along with Andy Villa. The 1968 state championship team was also present.
OUTSTANDING WRESTLERS TAE COOPER AND JOZEPH SMITH
180 FREE PHOTOS INCLUDING ALL THE CHAMPIONS IN THE LINK
The Sahuarita boys took first place and Tucson High took second. Sunnyside won the girls competition. Sunnyside standout Audrey Jimenez withdrew from the U23 World Championship finals in Oct. due to an injury and she might not be available to become the first girl to win four state championships this winter.
NEXT: Douglas Tim Brown Invitational (Dec. 8) and the Marana Tiger Duals (Dec. 8-9)
Members of the 1968 state championship team. (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson)
1968 State Championship Team (Pueblo Photo)
Andy Villa and Orlando Smith. (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson)
1975 State Championship Team (Pueblo Photo)
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