Barlow ends HS career as runner-up

RANGELY I “It was heartbreaking,” Rangely wrestling coach Derek Stolworthy said of the loss suffered by Panther senior Cole Barlow in the state championship match.

Barlow, who had qualified for the Colorado State Wrestling Championships for a third time, finished his high school wrestling career as a state runner-up in the 2A, 152-pound bracket.

Barlow won by major decision (12-1) against Eric Griego of La Veta in the opening round, then recorded a 30-second pin against Jake Warta of Sedgwick in the quarterfinals. Barlow had to come from behind in his semifinal match against Billy Forell of Rye before winning 9-8.

Barlow trailed Forell 3-4 going into the final period and was down 4-8 before reversing Forell and putting him in a cradle for back points to win 9-8.

Barlow was ranked second most of the year by On the Mat Rankings behind Donnie White of Fowler, who would be his opponent in last Saturday’s finals. Barlow took White down quickly in the championship match but White was able to escape and get a takedown of his own to lead 3-2 at the end of the first period. Both wrestlers scored reversals in the second period but White also scored a two-point near fall to led 8-4 at the end of the second period. White started the final period on bottom, then Barlow reversed White but was unable to turn him for back points and lost 6-9.

“He gave it his all and he left it all on the mat, he has no regrets,” Stolworthy said. “We are all proud of him. It was a great accomplishment for him to get into the finals.”

Seven other Panthers qualified for state including: Jo D Stults (112), Lucas Heinle (125), Blake Wanstedt (135), Colton Coombs (145), Zakk Wenzel (160), Bo Armstrong (189) and Patrick Brown (285). Heinle was the only other Panther to place, finishing sixth after making it to the semifinals.

“I’m proud of him making it into the semis,” Stolworthy said of the freshman. “He’s young and has a lot of potential. In the future, he could do great things for the Rangely Panthers’ wrestling program.”

Heinle trailed Rocky Ford’s Ricky Aragon 1-8 in the third period before catching him in a head lock and pinning him in the opening round. Heinle then defeated Levi Hottinger of Akron 9-2, to advance to the semifinals, where he lost to Alex Klopp of Yuma. Wrestlers are guaranteed a top six placing after making it to the semifinals, which is where Heinle finished.

Stults lost his first match, then won his second in the consolation bracket before being eliminated by David Torres of Manzanola in the quarterfinals of the consolation bracket. Brown and senior Wanstedt also won a consolation match, all the other Panthers were eliminated after two matches.

“Cole and Blake provided the leadership and kept our team unified,” Stolworthy said. “It would be hard to find harder workers than our two leaders. If they continue with the same work ethic throughout their lives, they’ll be successful at whatever they do.

Stolworthy said he and his assistants, Claude Rose and Robby Morgan, are “looking forward to next year.”

By bobby [email protected] I “It was heartbreaking,” Rangely wrestling coach Derek Stolworthy said of the loss suffered by Panther senior Cole Barlow in the state championship match.Barlow, who had qualified for the Colorado State Wrestling Championships for a third time, finished his high school wrestling career as a state runner-up in the 2A, 152-pound bracket.Barlow won by major decision (12-1) against Eric Griego of La Veta in the opening round, then recorded a 30-second pin against Jake Warta of Sedgwick in the quarterfinals. Barlow had to come from behind in his semifinal match against Billy Forell of Rye before winning 9-8.Barlow trailed Forell 3-4 going into the final period and was down 4-8 before reversing Forell and putting him in a cradle for back points to win 9-8.Barlow was ranked second most of the year by On the Mat Rankings behind Donnie White of Fowler, who would be his opponent in last Saturday’s finals. Barlow took White down quickly in the championship match but White was able to escape and get a takedown of his own to lead 3-2 at the end of the first period. Both wrestlers scored reversals in the second period but White also scored a two-point near fall to led 8-4 at the end of the second period. White started the final period on bottom, then Barlow reversed White but was unable to turn him for back points and lost 6-9.“He gave it his all and he left it all on the mat, he has no regrets,” Stolworthy said. “We are all proud of him. It was a great accomplishment for him to get into the finals.”Seven other Panthers qualified for state including: Jo D Stults (112), Lucas Heinle (125), Blake Wanstedt (135), Colton Coombs (145), Zakk Wenzel (160), Bo Armstrong (189) and Patrick Brown (285). Heinle was the only other Panther to place, finishing sixth after making it to the semifinals.“I’m proud of him making it into the semis,” Stolworthy said of the freshman. “He’s young and has a lot of potential. In the future, he could do great things for the Rangely Panthers’ wrestling program.”Heinle trailed Rocky Ford’s Ricky Aragon 1-8 in the third period before catching him in a head lock and pinning him in the opening round. Heinle then defeated Levi Hottinger of Akron 9-2, to advance to the semifinals, where he lost to Alex Klopp of Yuma. Wrestlers are guaranteed a top six placing after making it to the semifinals, which is where Heinle finished.Stults lost his first match, then won his second in the consolation bracket before being eliminated by David Torres of Manzanola in the quarterfinals of the consolation bracket. Brown and senior Wanstedt also won a consolation match, all the other Panthers were eliminated after two matches.“Cole and Blake provided the leadership and kept our team unified,” Stolworthy said. “It would be hard to find harder workers than our two leaders. If they continue with the same work ethic throughout their lives, they’ll be successful at whatever they do.Stolworthy said he and his assistants, Claude Rose and Robby Morgan, are “looking forward to next year.”

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