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Young Martinez Keeps Family Tradition Alive
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Dulcy Martinez proudly displays her first place trophy, winning the Reno Worlds championship in the girls’ 85-pound division. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

The name “Martinez” is synonymous with wrestling in Oakdale. Current high school senior Gabe Martinez, a multi-time CIF State qualifier, wrapped up his decorated high school career and will be continuing at the college level. Faalia Martinez is a state qualifier as well. The future is bright in the Oakdale wrestling program and another Martinez is on the horizon.

Dulcy Martinez, a 10-year-old student at Fair Oaks Elementary, has been wrestling for four years. Her hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off as she placed first overall in the 2019 Reno Worlds Girls Championship. In the three-day tournament Martinez wrestled a handful of matches. She dominated her way to the podium as she won three of her matches via major decision in the 85-pound bracket. In the finals she defeated a girl from Ohio by an 11-1 final score.

“I was very excited just to be in the finals, but after I won, I was really excited,” said Martinez.

Her brother and sister both help her with her wrestling, and her uncle, Oakdale High School assistant wrestling Coach Abel Colunga, gives her advice and helps her train as well.

“I am so fortunate to have a supporting family. They have all been a big part of me and have helped me out,” the youngster said.

Martinez practices five days a week, twice a day. She does not, however, let her passion for wrestling take over her responsibilities at school. She is an honor student and takes school very seriously.

“Homework comes first, school comes first,” she said.

Martinez has competed in many tournaments this season and will continue to wrestle throughout 2019. Her favorite part of wrestling is the journey.

“It’s not about wanting it, it’s about going out there and putting in the work to get it,” she explained.

As if wrestling at a high level wasn’t enough, Martinez is active in Mixed Marital Arts. She practices kickboxing, jujutsu and judo. She is a grey belt in jujutsu and a yellow belt in judo.

Martinez credits and thanks her parents, Benjamin and Leona Martinez; her uncle Abel, her family, and her partners (Aleena Nguyen, Jessie Meza and Zeke Meza) for her recent success.