Sports
Desert Hot Springs Youth MMA Fighters Finish Top Three at World Championships
Four Desert Hot Springs MMA fighters just got back from the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria and brought home some hardware.
Hannah Wagstaff, age 14, took gold in her division, Andrea Frisque took silver and Allison Keenan took bronze in the same division and Irann Orozco won the bronze in her division!
Their Sensei, Eddie Bates of Kihon MMA in Desert Hot Springs, is extremely proud of the girls’ accomplishments.
“Girls fought amazing, they trained every single day for this event and they showed it. It’s emotional, I love these kids like they’re my own and when I see them succeed, it’s more gratifying to see that they succeed than for them to have medals.”
Hannah Wagstaff went 4-0 to win the championship in her bracket and bring home a gold medal.
“I had some really good competition out there.” Hannah says, “probably the hardest competition I’ve had yet. So it really pushed me to show what I can actually do and push my limits.”
Andrea Frisque was the silver medalist from last year, and she took home another silver again this year. Andrea won her first two fights and lost in the championship round.
“It was just life-changing, we all had the chance to go fight for our country, and I think that’s really cool. I really give props to my teammates who helped me and my coach Eddie, you know, without him we kind of wouldn’t be here.”
Allison Keenan was in the same weight class as Andrea, and so Allison took home the bronze. She won her first fight but lost the second one when it went to decision.
“This little medal, means something, just so much pride like wow, I did that.”
Irann Orozco’s hard work also paid off and she brings home a bronze medal, after winning her first fight and losing the second when it went to decision.
“My first fight against Ukraine, I’ve never ever had a feeling like that, and it still brings me butterflies. I’m so proud of all of us that we did so well in our hard work really did pay off.”
Hannah says that the city of Desert Hot Springs has been extremely supportive of these girls from day one.
“The support from the community has been outstanding, it’s crazy still you know.”
“The city’s been behind us throughout.” Sensei Eddie says, “I am very grateful for all the support big thanks to Desert Hot Springs.”
I can’t believe how much how many people reached out and helped fund our trip. And I’m so grateful for all of them. Like I want to thank every single one of them. My parents,
I really love them for their support and everything and I’m just glad to have the chance
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 16, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
🎭 Kevin Mann is back with “Mann on the Aisle,” reviewing Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at The Bent Theatre! 🐈🔥 How does this classic Tennessee Williams drama hold up on the local stage? Kevin shares his take on the performances, the production and what audiences can expect. Watch the latest review from NBC Palm Springs! #NBCPalmSprings #MannOnTheAisle #CatOnAHotTinRoof #TheaterReview #CoachellaValley #LocalTheater
🚧 Tropical Storm Rachel left its mark on Highway 111. Caltrans crews are working on a $4.2 million emergency repair project near North Shore after flooding and washouts damaged the roadway along the Salton Sea. Repairs are underway weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Crooker Drive and Vanderveer Road. There’s no word yet on when the work will be complete. #SaltonSea #Highway111 #TropicalStormRachel #Caltrans #CoachellaValley
☕️ Social Time: dressing up for Halloween this year? If so, what’s your costume?
More than 1,000 runners and walkers took on the “World’s Toughest 6K” at the 39th annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ Cathedral City’s Amelio Chio claimed the overall win in 28:08, while Jade Belzberg took first place in the women’s division with a time of 30:42. Local athletes from across the Coachella Valley also made their mark on the challenging course! #PalmSprings #TramRoadChallenge #CoachellaValley #Running #RoadRace NBCPalmSprings
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Walls extending the play for the TD, 2) Aiden Pope with the 100 yard pick-six, 3) Adam Tremper breaking tackles for the TD, 4) Trey Boulton snagging the contested catch, or 5) Devin Session with the TD throw on the run #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
We’re in Palm Desert this morning as demonstrators gather for the No Kings rally, joining a nationwide day of protests and calls for political accountability. We’re talking with people at the rally about why they’re here and what they hope their voices will accomplish. Events are taking place across the country, with organizers also encouraging voter participation ahead of the election. Follow NBC Palm Springs for more voices and scenes from today’s rally. #NBCPalmSprings #PalmDesert #NoKings #CoachellaValley #Protest CommunityVoices
We’re in Cathedral City this morning for the No Kings: Vote Early event, joining communities across the country focused on getting voters to the polls. We’re talking with people here about why they came out and what motivated them to participate. Nearly 3,000 events are taking place nationwide to encourage early voting and civic engagement. Stay with NBC Palm Springs for local voices and perspectives from today’s event. #NBCPalmSprings #CathedralCity #NoKings #VoteEarly #CoachellaValley CommunityVoices
“NO KINGS: VOTE EARLY”: Residents gathered at Palm Springs City Hall for the “No Kings: Vote Early” event, sharing what brought them out and why making their voices heard matters. #NoKings #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #VoteEarly #civicengagement
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings