RANGELY | “We are young again this year but every one of them are willing to learn and work hard,” second-year head coach J.C. Chumacero said about the 11 wrestlers out for the team this year. Rangely will open the season Friday in Moab, Utah.
The Panthers will be led by juniors Tytus Coombs, Justin Rusher, Del Garner and Dalton Dembowski, with Coombs the only returning state qualifier.
“Tytus had a strong season last year but came up short of winning a match at the state tournament,” Chumacero said. “I know he has very high expectations for himself this season.”
Six freshmen are out for the team and led by Zane Varner, who placed third last season in the Colorado Middle School State Wrestling Championships. Varner will be joined by classmates Lou Burger, Braxton Moore, Dontea Pearce, Brent Cantrell and Bryon Mackay, while Anthony Garner will be the only sophomore on the team.
“I am really excited to have a full wrestling room,” coach Chumacero said. “The past three years we have been lacking in participation, so it’s really nice to have a group of young men who are willing to work.”
Logan Osborne and Claude Rose will assist Chumacero with the coaching duties again this year, starting Friday and Saturday in Utah.
“This will be a great opportunity to see what we need to work on,” coach Chumacero said.
By Bobby Gutierrez | Special to the Herald Times
