History has been made, but it was not easy. First, it was David Taylor, now it’s Zahid Valencia.

The top-ranked senior of St. John Bosco became the second wrestler in history to win the Walsh Ironman tournament four times since its inception in 1994. His quest for his fourth title began with a pair of falls over Tyler Stepic of St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit’s David Blanchard.

He followed up with a major decision over Marmion’s 18th-ranked Nathan Traxler and a 7-3 decision over 3rd-ranked Xavier Montalvo in the semifinals. Last, came a Who's #1 rematch with 2nd-ranked Myles Martin of McDonogh in the main event.

Just like in their first bout a few months ago, the two high-level competitors put on a mat-savvy display where everyone watched each and every move afraid to miss the history in the making. After three grueling periods, a scoreless minute of overtime on their feet and a pair of 30-second rideout periods in which they exchanged escapes, a final 30-second period separated the future Sun Devil from his fourth title.

Ultimately, he held on and never relinquished the escape to Martin ending up at the top of the Ironman podium for the fourth and final time. Valencia's history-making performance earns him the Flo Wrestler of the Week award.

Valencia’s Finals Results (2011-2014)
106: Z. Valencia (SJB) dec. Matthew Kolodzik (Miami Valley), 3-2.
113: Z. Valencia (SJB) dec. Ke-Shawn Hayes (Park Hill), 4-3.
132: Z. Valencia (SJB) dec. Brock Ervin (Union County), 5-3.
182: Z. Valencia (SJB) dec. Myles Martin (McDonogh), 3-2.

Other Flo Wrestler of the Week Nominees:

Mitch Moore, St. Paris Graham: Dominated the 113-pound weight class at the Walsh Ironman tournament. His championship run included an 11-1 major decision over 2nd-ranked Devin Brown of Franklin Regional in the semifinals and a 6-1 decision over OPRF’s Jason Renteria in the final.

Alex Marinelli, St. Paris Graham: Claimed the 160-pound Ironman championship with an overtime upset victory over Blair’s No. 2-ranked Mason Manville in the finals. He also edged 8th-ranked Chris Weiller of Wyoming Seminary 7-5 in the semis.

Davion Jeffries, Broken Arrow: Defeated top-ranked Matthew Kolodzik of Blair in overtime to take home the 138-pound title at Ironman.

Isaiah White, OPRF: Won the 152-pound championship by defeating No. 2 Vincenzo Joseph for the second time this year. Had a 6-5 overtime victory over Franklin Regional’s 7th-ranked Josh Maruca in the semis.

Drake Houdashelt, Missouri: Earned a 6-3 decision over 7th-ranked Tywan Claxton of Ohio on Saturday followed by a first period fall over No. 2 Hunter Stieber of Ohio State on Sunday.