Panthers host Vern Rose Memorial Tourney Saturday

RANGELY | Four Panthers wrestled in the Eagle Valley Invitational tournament last Saturday and this Saturday, they will host the annual Vern Rose Memorial tournament, inviting the community to come support the wrestling program.
None of the four Panthers placed in the competitive tournament but first-year head coach J.C. Chumacero said his team got a good look at the competition around the state.
“This was a wake up call for us,” Coach Chumacero said. “We got the opportunity to wrestle some guys who are the best of the best in their respective weights and classification.”
Tytus Coombs (132) and Justin Rusher, who is wrestling at 138, both went deep in the consolation bracket but did not place, after winning two matches each.
“Tytus and Justin had extremely stacked weights and both made it to the third consolation round,” Coach Chumacero said. “Tytus had the number one ranked wrestler in 3A and the number four ranked wrestler in our region and Justin’s bracket had the number two and number four ranked wrestlers out of our region.”
Dalton Dembowski wrestled in the 195-pound bracket and Del Garner was cleared to wrestle, following an injury.
“Dembowski came up short but continues to improve and he is wrestling tough,” Chumacero said. “Del wrestled five matches and he is an insanely fast learner, improving match to match.”
Anthony Garner was out because of a knee injury.
“We wrestle at home this Saturday and plan on having a good showing in front of our home crowd,” Chumacero said. “These guys have been working extremely hard and we would appreciate your support.”