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Previous Mat Chat Interviews
Casey Randles, Coeur d'Alene
Jake Rosholt, Sandpoint
Ridge Lovett, Post Falls
Derrick Booth, Post Falls/North Idaho College
Adam Hall, Bonners Ferry/Boise State/Utah Valley
Brock Zollinger, Sugar-Salem
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The next wrestler in my Mat Chat Series is Lita Cruz, a true pioneer in the expansion of girl’s wrestling in the Gem State of Idaho and abroad. She hails from the small rural town of Heyburn, which is nestled in the south central farming region along the Snake River. For a vast majority of wrestlers, I have had the distinct opportunity to write about, the sport of wrestling was introduced to them at a very young age. For Lita, she has been surrounded by wrestling since birth and in 2022 etched her name in the history books by becoming the first to win four state titles in the girl’s division for perennial power Minico High School. As of this writing, Lita is a redshirt sophomore competing for nationally ranked Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, enjoying her passion for art, and on course to take her athletic and personal talents to another level.
According to Lita, she was exposed to wrestling at birth. Her family as well as extended relatives were all wrestlers for Minico High School from the mid-1990s to the 2010s. For starters, her father (Jose Cruz) wrestled for Minico in the early 2000’s, as well as her uncles Jesse and David Burgara, who from 2005 to 2008 won two individual state titles, four medals overall, and then represented Boise State on the wrestling team. On top of that, Lita’s cousins Mark Rico (3rd State) and Jesse Peralez, a state champion and three-time placer competed for Minico as well. Based on her early upbringing, Lita was influenced by her family dynamic. It was inevitable and a matter of time before she actually entered the wrestling circle herself. From the second Lita entered, she embraced the lifestyle head on.
The question arises now and then about whether entering the wrestling circle at an early age equates to long term success or not. This subject matter is extremely difficult to measure for the simple reason that there is an array of factors to consider, such as genetic, lifestyle, coaching, skill teaching, and training opportunities to name a few. Regardless, the path towards long term athletic development is a complex process and in addition to the prescribed factors listed above, it also requires an internal resolve or “passion” by each individual to remain focused on the objective as well as sustain during the long and arduous process of high-level development.
Based on what I have learned about Lita and her perspective towards wrestling and in life, it’s not difficult to surmise that she benefited a great deal from several contributing factors, such as exceptional leadership, strong family support, and top level coaching, but more importantly, it has been her internal resolve and keen ability to navigate through the mental and physical challenges of wrestling, which has been the common denominator of her achievements thus far. In a nutshell, Lita thrives in the midst of the process. Regardless of the outcome, she always presses forward.
The year 2022 will go down in history as the turning point where girl’s wrestling was officially sanctioned by the Idaho High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) along with the boy’s division at the district and state levels (As of March of 2024, 45 states have sanctioned high school girls wrestling). Despite this important milestone, it must also be noted that girl’s wrestling in the state of Idaho actually dates back to the early part of the new millenium where a group of trailblazers represented Team Idaho at the U.S. Fargo Nationals and set a foundation for future generations build upon.
The list is extensive, but for this article the following represents a snapshot of the best of the best that set a strong precedence from the beginning. They include the DeAragon sisters, Anneliese and Lily, who earned a combined six All-American honors at the Fargo Nationals. Cierra Foster followed shortly thereafter with two Fargo All-American honors and a national title in 2014. On top of that, Cierra became the first girl as a freshman to place in the boy’s 5A division at state (3rd at 106s) for Post Falls High School in 2014. From 2017 to 2019, Brelane Huber, also from Post Falls, set the benchmark by earning an unprecedented four Fargo All-American honors, which is yet to be matched or broken.
Based on the cadre of talent that was produced in the early part of the new millennium coupled by the young grassroots level talent that was about to join the high school ranks during the 2018-’19 season, the writing was on the wall that the state of Idaho needed to take the necessary steps to establish a girl’s division at the state level. Fortunately, the first state invitational (non-sanctioned) was held that season at Pocatello High School. Despite small participation numbers, the foundation had been set to build upon in the future years to come.
With a lifetime of family experience under her belt in conjunction with a desire to win, Lita entered the first open state invitational more than ready to challenge for the title. Representing Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Lita was seeded number one and among the top girl’s in the entire tournament. From start to finish, she easily won the 113-pound weight division and left no doubt that she was a force to be reckoned with in the future years to come.
The following season, Lita returned to Heyburn and began her sophomore season at Minico High School. Throughout the season, she continued to dominate her competition and at the 2020 state invitational registered three state falls to earn her second state title. She continued her winning ways in 2021 by winning the Jaybird Memorial Invitational, placing fourth at the Tim Matthews Invitational (boy’s division), and third state title. On top of that, Lita entered the boy’s IHSAA 4A District IV Championships and placed fourth to qualify to the state championships. At state, she compiled a 2-2 record in the 113-pound weight group and came within one match from placing in the top six.
Following the 2021 state tournament, Lita attended the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia where she reached the championship finals, finishing the year with her first prep level All-American honor. It was at this point where her lifetime commitment to excel to the highest levels of prep wrestling had paid off, but she understood that there was a lot of work ahead and much more challenging goals to achieve. According to Minico’s Head Coach, Clay Robinson, “Lita is a great wrestler, but an even better person. She has tremendous talent, work ethic, and toughness and is still very humble and coachable. She is always trying to get better and cares about her teammates enough to make sure she is helping them get better.”
Lita entered her senior season focused on winning a record fourth individual state title in addition to preparing herself for the possibilities of competing at the collegiate level. During the regular season, Lita registered five straight falls to win the tough Rollie Lane Invitational and capped the regular season with a second title at the Jaybird Memorial. Now that the IHSAA officially sanctioned the girl’s division with the boys, the road to the state tournament was now via the district qualifier. As a result, Lita easily won her weight division at the IHSAA District IV Championships, which set the stage to wrestle for a fourth state title.
Seeded number one in the 106 pound weight division Lita wasted little time in the preliminary rounds and scored a 16-4 major decision in the semis against Caldwell’s Toni Avelino. From the first whistle to the last, Lita methodically shutout American Falls’ Allister Dillow, 11-0, to secure title number four and her name in the history books as the first girl to achieve this feat.
Seeking the toughest competition possible, Lita entered the USAW Folkstyle Nationals shortly after high school state and earned another championship finals appearance and second All-American honor. Furthermore, she added an additional All-American honor to her resume by reaching the medal stand at the USMC United States Open.
Moving up to the next level of competition requires one to adjust to the mental and physical challenges in order to sustain and reach full potential. Lita left Minico High School with not only four individual state titles and multiple All-American honors to her credit, but the clear understanding that collegiate wrestling is going to be much more competitive and difficult to reach her goals. Regardless, she was up for the challenge.
“In college, every match is going to be a fight.”
As of this writing, Lita is a redshirt sophomore and determined to reach the national championship tournament this season. Since her arrival, she has experienced a series of injuries that have prevented her from competing in the post season championships. Regardless, she is not letting this set-back deter her from reaching her full potential. Everything considered, Lita has had some success, however. For instance, she won an individual title at the Luther Hill Invitational her freshman season and followed with a placing at the Grand View Open in addition to championship titles at the Waldorf University Open in 2023 and 2024, respectively. According to Grand View Head Coach, Angelo Crinzi, “Lita has been a competitor since she arrived at Grand View. She is consistently working to improve to be the best version of herself since she’s been here. Lita is someone that we know we can put in our lineup to win big matches and compete with anyone in front of her.”
In summary, it has been a pleasure to meet Lita and her family, as well as the distinct opportunity to highlight her life story to this point. Being exposed to wrestling since birth, Lita has been a true pioneer in the growth of girl’s wrestling in Idaho and abroad. Her prep level accolades speak volumes and have set a precedence for future wrestlers to meet or exceed. From an early age, Lita has integrated her passion for wrestling with her passion for art. Her younger sister, Lexi, a freshman at Rocky Mountain High School is wrestling well and has a promising mat career ahead. This past week, I had the opportunity to conduct a Q&A interview with Lita. We discussed her family’s involvement with wrestling, becoming the first to win four individual state titles, her passion for art, college experience, and her outlook for the future years ahead. I wish Lita the best in the future years to come and to follow her dreams.
Below is my Q&A with Lita in addition to her list of accolades at Minico High School and Grand View University. Enjoy!
Q&A WITH LITA CRUZ
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?
LITA CRUZ – Ever since I was born, my dad was already taking me to tournaments. My mom had told me when I was about a week old, I was taken to state to watch my uncle wrestle. Growing up I was already learning moves and when I was about 5 years old, wrestling was officially part of me.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN WRESTLING?
LITA CRUZ – My uncle and my dad definitely had the biggest impact on me. They trained me to become the best. In between matches they were showing me moves and scouting my opponents. As far as famous people, I really loved Victoria Anthony’s wrestling. She reminded me of me because we are both short so in my head, I’m thinking I can still go as far as her even with my body type.
DESCRIBE YOUR WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT MINICO HIGH SCHOOL.
LITA CRUZ – My wrestling experience at Minico was very slow at first. Being a sophomore and not having the proper coaching at first was tough. Yes, I had my uncle and my dad training me outside but, in the room, if where i needed the most help. Eventually new coaches came in and really helped guide me into not only being a great wrestler but also becoming a great person. I’ve had my ups and downs but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t take back any of those times because of all the lessons I learned.
WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLY IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
LITA CRUZ – Leading the match with the right intention. When I wrestle, I don’t want to be angry, I don’t want to be sad. I want my heart full of love for the sport, for my teammates, and for myself. When I have love in all those aspects, I don’t feel anxious, I don’t feel hate. That’s exactly how I want to feel. Full of love and happiness. Not just in wrestling but in life as well.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG ATHLETE WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN WRESTLING?
LITA CRUZ – Make sure your heart is lined up with your goals. People can set goals for themselves, but if there is no passion, if there is no heart, what’s the point of doing it?
WHAT OTHER SPORTS OR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WERE YOU INVOLVED IN?
LITA CRUZ – Throughout high school I was also involved in soccer, track and field, and cross country. I will confidently say I would never do cross country again, running with what felt like no goal did not mix together with me.
OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE?
LITA CRUZ – Outside of wrestling at Grand View I often will hang out with my friends. I also enjoy making art. In the summer when it’s warm, I love being outside with my dog and going on trails. When the weather is a little colder, I enjoy cooking for others and watching cartoons.
DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT GRAND VIEW UNIVERSITY.
LITA CRUZ – School is school. Some of the classes are harder than others, but when I do get certain classes that I am more passionate about, then I get more involved. My wrestling is much different than it was in high school. The competition is much fiercer and it’s like every tournament is like a national one wrestling girls from all over the country. It’s honestly very exciting and lovely experience/feeling to be wrestling amongst the best.
WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT AND LONG TERM GOALS AT GRAND VIEW UNIVERSITY?
LITA CRUZ – My short term goal for this year is to make it to nationals healthy. In the past I didn’t get to go because of a concussion I didn’t recover from in time and then the next year was from a broken wrist. My long term is to win nationals and possibly be the first for my team.
PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPETING IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE.
LITA CRUZ - The competition is much more competitive. Throughout high school girls wrestling was still newer so there wasn’t a whole lot of girls who were doing it at long as me. Making much of the tournaments a little easy. In college, every match is going to be a fight. Those girls didn’t come to a college wrestling team just because they wanted to try it. Everyone has a few years under their belt and most of the girls came to fight. Being on a wrestling team with girls who have the same goals as you also brings out more fight out of me. They are pushing hard, so I try and push even harder. Everyone is supporting each other and everyone is there to make you better on some level.
DO YOU PLAN TO COACH OR BE INVOLVED WITH THE SPORT OF WRESTLING IN SOME FORM OR CAPACITY WHEN YOU ARE DONE COMPETING?
LITA CRUZ – Honestly, I feel that I have so much knowledge to give that it would almost be a sin to keep it all to myself. I feel at some point I will be on a team coaching somewhere and possibly still competing.
IT’S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR ART. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
LITA CRUZ - Growing up I always liked art. I was also very quiet and didn’t know how to properly express myself. As I got older my relationship with making art grew because I didn’t know how to voice my feelings so instead, I would put it on canvas. I sink into deep state of flow and forget about the world around me. Art, both relaxes me and helps me to get my feelings out.
LITA’S HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGIATE WRESTLING ACCOLADES
COLLEGE: Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa
COLLEGE DIV: National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
WEIGHT: 110
CLASS: Redshirt Sophomore
STUDYING: Studio Arts/Athletic Training
HIGH SCHOOL: Rocky Mountain/Minico
HOMETOWN: Heyburn, ID
COLLEGE ACCOLADES:
- Waldorf University Open Champion ’24
- Waldorf University Open Champion ’23
- Grand View Open – 5th Place ’23
- Luther Hill Invitational Champion ’22
HIGH SCHOOL ACCOLADES:
- First 4x Idaho State Champion (Girls’ division)
- USMC US Open – 8th Place/ALL-AMERICAN ’22
- USAW Folkstyle Nationals – 2nd Place/ALL-AMERICAN ’22
- IHSAA Girls State Champion ’22
- IHSAA Girls District IV Champion ’22
- Jaybird Memorial Champion ’22
- Rollie Lane Invitational Champion ’22
- NHSCA High School Nationals – 2nd Place/ALL-AMERICAN ’21
- Idaho Girls State Open Champion, ’21
- IHSAA 4A District IV – 4th place (Boys div.), ’21
- Tim Matthews Invitational – 4th Place (Boys div.) ’21
- Jaybird Memorial Champion, ’21
- Idaho Girls State Open Champion, ’20
- Idaho Girls State Open Champion, ’19
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