MEEKER | Last Thursday, the Meeker High School girls wrestling team made school history by hosting their first-ever dual meet. The team faced Rifle High School at Meeker High School and secured their first dual team win.
The evening started slowly for the Cowboys, as forfeits in the first four weight classes put them at a 24-0 deficit against the Rifle Bears. A double forfeit at 125 pounds followed before junior Emma Ford earned the Cowboys’ first win of the night. She was joined by teammates Lucille Munger, Gracie Varner, and Abigail Amick, whose victories tied the score at 24-24.
Hayden Garcia fell at 155 pounds, putting the Bears ahead 30-24. However, Ruth LeBlanc capitalized on a Rifle forfeit at 170 pounds, evening the score at 30-30. After another double forfeit at 190 pounds, Aurora Stallings secured the win for the Cowboys with a forfeit victory at 235 pounds, giving Meeker a 36-30 victory.
Head Coach Barny LeBlanc expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
“We would like to thank the community for coming out and all the support they have shown to these young ladies,” LeBlanc said.
The next day, the team traveled to Vernal, Utah, for the Girls Tournament of Champions (GTOC). Competing against 22 teams, Meeker finished 15th overall with 61.5 points. Five of their seven wrestlers placed in the tournament.
“We had a great tournament at GTOC in Vernal. Every girl who participated won some matches,” LeBlanc said. “Ruth LeBlanc placed third, Aurora Stallings placed fifth, Emma Ford placed sixth, and Abi Amick placed eighth.”
The tournament also featured a second-chance bracket for wrestlers eliminated on the first day. Gracie Varner placed second, while Hayden Garcia and Lucille Munger were one match away from the top four.
On Saturday, the team will compete in the Queen of the Mountain tournament at Battle Mountain.
“Each week we try to celebrate each girl’s growth and expose areas they can improve on,” LeBlanc said.
Fans are encouraged to attend Wednesday’s meet and support the team.
Coach Gianinetti, Coach Adrianna Price, Aurora Stallings, Ruth LeBlanc, Coach Barny LeBlanc, Abigail Amick, Coach Steerman, Brielle Lucero, (front row) Hayden Garcia, Luci Munger, Emma Ford and Gracie Varner.