Rangely youth wrestlers get started with 2014 season

RANGELY I Many youth wrestlers from Rangely have already wrestled in two tournaments, with 20 traveling to Vernal, Utah, two weeks ago for a pre-season tournament and several more competing in the Little Warrior tournament on Saturday in Grand Junction.
“The youngsters wrestled very well,” coach Jeff LeBleu said.
The young Panthers crowned 12 champions in Vernal, including Eric Petrocco, Carmella Fortunato, Jaden Heredia, Landon Carlson, Breckin McElhaney, Marcos Quintanna, Kobey Chism, Anthony Dorris, Corbin Lucero, Dontea Pearce, Zane Varner and Anthony Lujan.
Kenney Hensen Jr., Gage Nielsen, Stephen Koenig, Colton Stevens and Jonas Saunders finished as runners-up. Levi Petrocco and Wyatt Wiley finished fourth and Izaih Moody wrestled but did not place in the top four.
Rangely took eight wrestlers to Grand Junction and three were crowned Little Warrior champions. Braden Lucas, Kobey Chism and Zane Varner all won gold medals. Marcos Quintanna and Corbin Lucero placed second and Kenney Hensen Jr., placed third. Steven Koenig and Dontea Pearce both placed fourth.
Ella Fortunato was the only Rangely youth wrestler to compete in Roosevelt, Utah, and she returned home a champion.