Panthers win tourney for third year

RANGELY I Panther pride was alive and well last weekend.
The Panthers won their own 17-team invitational wrestling tournament Saturday, and the night before, they won a triangular with Coal Ridge and Hayden.
“The only thing they were mad about is they had to wait for the basketball games (to finish on Friday),” said coach Jeff LeBleu.
Despite having to wait around before taking to the mat on Friday, it was a good weekend for the Panthers, who wrestled at home for the first time this season.
“They wrestled well, everybody did, even the guys who didn’t place,” LeBleu said. “I was pleased with their efforts.”
As far as placing, Rangely had six champions in its invitational — JC Chumacero 125, Devon Rose 130, Cole Barlow 140, Travis Witherell 152, Keane Raley 160 and Kindal Cushman heavyweight.
Blake Wanstedt was second at 135, while Chad Peterson 112, Logan Osborne 145, Mike Dillon 215 and JV heavyweight Patrick Brown placed third.
This marked the third year in a row Rangely won its invitational.
“It’s our own tournament; it’s a highlight of our season,” LeBleu said.
Next up for the Panthers is a rescheduled home match against Grand Valley today and then the Paonia tournament Friday and Saturday.