RANGELY I Only one member of the Rangely High School Panther wrestling team, senior Ethan Allred, qualified for the 2015 Colorado State Wrestling Championships in Denver, starting today in the Pepsi Center.
Allred returned from a football injury to qualify for the state wrestling tournament for a third time.
“I’m really glad Ethan was able to return to wrestling after his football injury,” Rangely head coach Jeff Heinle said. “He has put in hours of rehab and extra work, trying to get strength and mobility back. I just wish more (members) of the team were making the trip with him.”
Allred finished second, behind Meeker’s two-time defending state champion T.J. Shelton, in the 170-pound bracket. Allred pinned opponents from Cedaredge and Paonia on his way to the championship match.
Landon Rowley (126), Heath Peters (138), Nych DeLeon (145) and Kiki Ruiz (152) did not not qualify.
“The wrestling was tough, like we knew it would be,” Heinle said. “We had our chances but came up short.”
The first round of Allred’s final state wrestling tournament will start today at 3 p.m.
“I am hoping for a good state tournament for Ethan’s senior year,” Heinle said.
