POLSON – As one of Montana’s premier wrestlers in his weight class, Polson junior Carlos Quinones is used to being at the top. This summer, though, Quinones’ goal is to head Down Under, where he has been invited to participate in a wrestling tournament in Auckland, New Zealand. However, in order for Quinones to attend the Down Under Sports Tournament, he will first need to raise a total of $5,000, and fast.

Quinones received the offer to participate in the tournament after finishing third in Montana in the 119-pound weight class this past season. In Auckland, he hopes to compete in free-style wrestling at the 132-pound level.

“It was pretty special to be picked,” said Quinones.

However, the invitational athletics program does not provide financial assistance to the young competitors they seek, forcing individuals like Quinones to foot the often times considerable bill for travel. The invitation to the tournament had also been extended to Quinones last year, but he admits to balking at the price tag and not throwing his full weight into fundraising. This time around, he’s giving it his all so that he has no regrets, regardless of the outcome.

“I really want to do this because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will help me get better at wrestling and maybe even get into college to wrestle,” said Quinones, who has already captured the attention of the wrestling program at the University of Great Falls. Quinones added that offseason wrestling tournaments provide valuable experience for when he eventually returns to the mat wearing Polson’s uniform.

“I improve the most in the offseason,” says Quinones.

Quinones has raised over $1,300 so far, but still has a long ways to go to realize his goal. Compounding matters further, the fundraising deadline of June 3 is quickly approaching.

“I’m planning to do (a dinner) at the Elks and am going to businesses and asking for donations,” said Quinones of his ongoing efforts to collect money.

In a written statement on a flyer that Quinones is using to help collect donations, he states that the trip is made more enticing by the opportunity “to be an ambassador of not only my community and state, but also our country.”