Wrestlers Gain Wins and Experience at State Tournament

The four members of the Rye High School wrestling team that attended the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament at Ball Arena in Denver last week, won three matches, gained valuable experience and placed 35th out of 51, 2A wrestling teams, scoring nine points. Meeker won the 2A tournament with 150 points.

In the 175 lb. class Jose Martinez scored three team points for Rye. Martinez lost a second period fall to Keon Bandy of Limon in his first-round match.

In his second match, Martinez pinned Kannon Sherwood or Norwood with four seconds left in the second period. In his final match, Martinez lost a 9-1 decision to Jesus Valadez of Center. Martinez had a 28-17 record for the year.

Skyler Moore also scored three team points in the 165 lb. weight class. Moore lost a fall in 1:28 in his first-round match to Jake Blazon of Meeker. Moore won his second match against Colton Kepley of Norwood, pinning Kepley two seconds into the third period.

Moore lost his final match to Wyatt Chase of Highland, suffering a first period fall. Moore finished the season with a record of 28-15.

Andy Prichard at 120 lbs. scored three team points and went 1-2 in the tournament. Prichard lost his opening round by a fall to Merek Charney of Akron in the first period. In his second match, Prichard won by forfeit over Quintin Morlang of North Fork High School.

Prichard then lost his third match of the tournament to Anthony Franco of Rocky Ford, losing a fall in the first period. Prichard completed his season with a 23-14 record.

Dayton Blok at 285 lbs. lost a pair of matches at the State Tournament. In the first round, Blok lost a fall at the end of the second period to Kyle Rima of Ignacio.

In his second match, Blok lost a second fall in the second period, to Cody Nester of Dayspring Christian Academy.

Blok had a 15-11 record for the season.

“ The boys did well,” assessed Head Coach Billy Forell. “We came away with a few matches won and an understanding of what needs to be done to be coming away with a place on the podium. I am very excited for what the next few seasons hold. This group as a whole has a chance to make an impact. Of course, they’ll have to put in the work during the off season to make it happen.”