Night of Champions Returns Monday, May 1 at 6 pm

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Night of Champions returns once again, and this time in the sparkling New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center.  On Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m., head coach Danny Gonzales’ squad will put their best to the test in a strength competition as 18 student-athletes will give it their best in three disciplines.

Six players will participate in the Clean, with returners Kyler Drake (DL), Bobby Wooden (S) and Luke Wysong (WR) joining Dorian Lewis (RB), Mihalis Santorineos (LB) and Magnus Geers (TE).

Seven players will participate in the squat, and five will take part in the bench competition. In the squat will be returners Christian Ellis (S), Walter Baca (OL), CJ James (OL), Bryce Santana (DL), Isaiah Sillemon (OL) and Shancco “Ise” Matautia (OL).  Andrew Henry (RB) is the lone newcomer participating.  Matautia took part in the bench last year.

On the bench Jer’Marques Bailey (OL) and Alec Morenco (LB), who both participated in 2022 on the bench, along with Tavian Combs (S), DJ Wingfield (OL) and Deuce Jones (WR).  Morenco, Combs and Wingfield are all returning after missing most of 2022 with season-ending leg injuries.

The 2023 Night of Champions is a free event.  Fans can park in the Stadium West lots and walk down and enter the stadium through the visiting team tunnel.