RANGELY I “Our guys competed with an entirely new attitude,” Rangely High School wrestling coach Travis Witherell said. “It was such an improvement from last week and I’m very pleased with how we did.”
The Panthers wrestled in the West Grand Invitational in Kremmling with five wrestlers and how they did was two Rangely grapplers returned home with medals.
“We had some guys sick and others who left for Christmas break early,” coach Witherell said. “C.J. Lucero and Nych Deleon were our placers.”
Lucero, a freshman, won two matches and finished fourth in the 113-pound bracket. Deleon, a junior, lost his first match but came back strong with three pins and finished as the consolation champion in the 160-pound bracket.
“C.J. is our ‘Wrestler of the Week,’” coach Witherell said. “He went 3-2, wrestles with a lot of heart and battles each match, win or lose. As a coaching staff, we see so much potential in C.J., and we are extremely excited about his future.”
Coach Witherell was also pleased with his other wrestlers.
“Our other guys that went, showed a lot of improvement and I know the wins will start coming for them,” coach Witherell said. “Everyone is working hard in the practice room and all I see is positive.”
Lane Gillard, Jessy Powell and Chance Sheppard also wrestled in Kremmling and they will next take to the mat in Vernal at the Tournament of Champions on Jan. 8.
