RANGELY | First-year head wrestling coach J.C. Chumacero was proud of his first, first-time state qualifier Tytus Coombs, even though he did not win a match in the 2018 Colorado State Wrestling Championships, also known as the “Big Show” as all five state classifications wrestle in the Pepsi Center in our state’s capitol city.
“Tytus’ first year at the state didn’t go as we had hoped but I’m very proud of him and the season he had,” Coach Chumacero said of his sophomore, who finished with a record of 25-7.
“His first match was a tough draw in the form of a Del Norte senior (Brett Benavides), who was a consolation champ last year and ended up being a runner up this year. Our second match was close, keeping a one-point difference until a mistake got us caught.”
Coombs lost his second match to Jade Cozart, a junior from Cheyenne Wells, who finished sixth, this year in the 132-pound bracket.
“I think nerves got the best of Tytus,” Coach Chumacero said. “He has been to big tournaments before but nothing compares to the Big Show. Now he will know what to expect in the future.”
With one season under his belt, Coach Chumacero is excited about the future and building the numbers and wrestling program in Rangely, with middle school wrestling currently underway.
“Buck (Jeff LeBleu) is coaching the middle school but I will be in the room as much as possible to help and hopefully increase our numbers for next year,” Coach Chumacero said. “As a first-year coach, I know I have a ton to learn, so I would like to thank my team for sticking by my side and working hard for me everyday, Anthony Garner at 120, Tytus and Dalton Dembowski, were all able to finish the season, while Justin Rusher, unfortunately suffered an ankle injury and Del Garner suffered a back injury in football and was only able to come back for one tournament. Thank you gentlemen for working hard all year and showing your heart.”
Coach Chumacero was also thankful to the parents for their support and his assistant coaches, Claude Rose, Logan Osborne and Travis Witherell.
“Thanks everyone for helping me get through my first season,” coach Chumacero said. “I’m excited to see what next year brings.”
