FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A New Era for Rattler Wrestling – Razo Promoted, Coates Named Women’s Head Coach
La Junta, CO — [Apr. 8, 2026] — Otero College Athletics proudly announces a major step forward for Rattler Wrestling with the promotion of Richard Razo to Men’s Head Coach and Brandon Coates taking the reins of the inaugural Women’s Wrestling program. This marks a historic expansion and a bold commitment to the future of wrestling at Otero.
2025–2026 Season Recap
Rattler Wrestling showed strong upside during the 2025–2026 season, earning key dual wins against conference opponents and victories over NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA competition. The Rattlers qualified Dominic Sanchez (Fr., 157 lbs) for the NJCAA National Championships, highlighting continued growth at the national level. With 15 returning wrestlers and a strong incoming class, Otero is positioned to build on that momentum while launching its women’s program in 2026–2027.
New Leadership, Shared Vision
Otero has appointed new leadership to guide both programs into a new era of competitiveness, development, and culture, backed by strong recruiting, athlete development, and a clear long-term vision. Razo Takes the Helm
“I want to thank President Dr. Zant, Athletic Director Kyle Spencer, and Coach Brandon Coates for trusting me in this role,” said Head Coach Richard Razo. “We are in a great spot, and I’m looking forward to continuing our momentum.”
“I am here to compete,” Razo added. “I want Otero to be a place that develops wrestlers for any avenue in life—whether that’s competing for a national title, transferring, or earning their degree. I am here to make Otero a place where wrestlers want to come get better.”
Inaugural Women’s Program
The 2026–2027 season marks the launch of Women’s Wrestling at Otero College under Head Coach Brandon Coates. The program already features a 12-athlete roster, with continued recruiting focused on building a strong foundation.
“This has been years in the making,” said Coates. “We’re building a culture and a program that can compete nationally while representing Otero with pride.”
The Future of Rattler Wrestler
With returning talent, a growing recruiting class, and the addition of women’s wrestling, Otero College is building a sustainable model for success—focused on competition, academics, and
long-term development. “Otero Wrestling is heading in an exciting direction,” said Athletic Director Kyle Spencer. “With Coach Coates and Coach Razo, Otero has the best combined wrestling staff in all the NJCAA. Their experience, passion for the College and the community, their vision for both programs, and their overall investment into shaping students to be more than just high-level wrestlers is exactly the standard of excellence we strive for.”
Spencer added, “These are two distinct programs, and each are being led by exceptional people. I know the community will embrace both our men’s and women’s wrestling teams with equal enthusiasm and will be proud of how they will represent Otero and the entire Valley.”
