For many wrestlers, the pressure of the moment would have been crippling, but for Archuleta, the must-win situation brought out excellence as he defeated Paonia High School's Gabe Ferguson to secure a spot in the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament.
In doing so, Archuleta became the first Bluejays wrestler to qualify for the state since the program was revived prior to the 2013-14 season and according to the now senior, the accomplishment was somewhat suprising.
"Making state was a surprise," said Archuleta, who lost both of his matches at the State Tournament. "I didn't really think I was good at wrestling because I had not wrestled since I was a little kid."
The fact that Archuleta was able to qualify for state however, was indicative of the young man's toughness, which stood out to coaches and teammates throughout his four years at Mancos High School.
"Archuleta wrestled with so much heart," said Mancos head coach Grant Hobbs. "He made tremendous strides."
Although Archuleta fell short of qualifying for state last season, the senior said that he will never forget the lessons that he learned from his head coach and teammates.
"I learned a lot from Grant," added Archuleta. "I learned never to give up or quit on yourself. You can do anything if you put your mind to it."
In addition to wrestling, Archuleta played four years of football at Mancos High School where he doubled as a running back and linebacker. Although Archuleta never produced notable statistics, the senior's toughness was irreplaceable.
"What I enjoyed about football is that you can't get in trouble for hitting anybody," he said. "It's always fun to hit somebody and take your anger out. I like physical sports."
Now in his last semester at Mancos High School, Archuleta is participating in track and field as a thrower. A four-year member of the Mancos track team, Archuleta said that his goal for the season is to improve.
As for his plans after high school, Archuleta said that he hopes to work as a welder after completing welding classes Southwest Colorado Community College.
Before that however, one of Mancos High School's toughest athletes will cherish his final weeks in the school that he has grown to love.