The Tijarafe Guanche Wrestling Club of Santa Úrsula de Tenerife wins the "III José Luis Aparicio Morales Memorial" by defeating the Tao Wrestling Club by 10 - 12.
Last Saturday night, the wrestling arena "Andrés Curbelo - Pollo de Tao" became, once again, the stage for a memorable evening. In its third edition, the José Luis Aparicio Morales Memorial not only paid tribute to a fundamental figure for Canarian wrestling, but also brought together a dedicated and respectful fan base, witness to a friendly wrestling match that bordered on excellence.
The Tijarafe Guanche Wrestling Club of Santa Úrsula (Tenerife) and the Tao Wrestling Club starred in a vibrant confrontation, full of emotion, respect and spectacle. Two teams with wrestlers of a high technical level who, from the first crossing, gave themselves completely to the arena and the legacy that this event represents. The final result (10-12) gave the victory to the Tenerife team, but the real triumph was, without a doubt, the one obtained by Canarian wrestling as a whole.
A night of wrestling, emotion and memory
Under the arbitration of José Antonio Cabrera, assisted by Francisco Martín, the match maintained a high level of competitiveness and nobility. The holds, many of them chanted by the public standing, combined strength, technique and that spectacularity that is only seen on special nights. Each fight was celebrated with the fervor of those who know and love this sport, making the Tao arena vibrate in an atmosphere full of emotion.
Jonathan Fernández, in charge of the visiting team, and Ayonath Caraballo, for the host club, masterfully directed their wrestlers, who responded with absolute dedication. The level shown in each confrontation reflected a rigorous preparation and an evident camaraderie that honored, at all times, the spirit of the memorial.
On an individual level, two names shone brightly: Ibrahin, from Tijarafe Guanche, was recognized as "Maximum Tumbler" of the night, while Sixto Rodríguez from Club Tao, was awarded as Most Spectacular Wrestler", both examples of the talent that Canarian wrestling continues to cultivate.
Tribute to an essential figure
This memorial is not a simple event on the calendar; it is an act of memory, respect and recognition towards José Luis Aparicio Morales, an essential figure in the recent history of our vernacular sport. Aparicio was a mainstay outside the arena: from the word, from the press and passion, he was the engine and voice of Canarian wrestling. His unwavering commitment to the Tao Wrestling Club and to the culture of our islands made him a benchmark, and today his legacy is honored as it deserves: with wrestling, with emotion, with life.
The president of Club Tao, Francisco Díaz (Paquito), presented a commemorative plaque to his counterpart from the Tijarafe Guanche Wrestling Club, Jonathan Fernández, as a sign of gratitude for his collaboration and willingness to participate in this emotional meeting.
The grand finale of the night came with the presentation of the trophy to the winning team of the wrestling match, the Tijarafe Guanche Wrestling Club, in the hands of José Luis Aparicio, son, who received a warm ovation from the public, standing, in a gesture that went far beyond the sporting result.
A memorial already consolidated
Just three editions have been enough for the José Luis Aparicio Morales Memorial to consolidate itself as a prominent event on the Canarian wrestling calendar. For the quality of the teams, for the level of the fights, but above all for the deep respect for a figure who, without having worn the fight, was the soul, voice and conscience of this sport.
With the emotion still throbbing on the faces of the attendees and the echo of the applause still resonating on the walls of the arena. The III Memorial closed its doors with the certainty that José Luis Aparicio is still present in every whistle, in every fall and in every hug between wrestlers.