RANGELY I Rangely High School’s most recent state wrestling champion will also be its most recent head coach.
Travis Witherell, who won an individual Colorado state wrestling title wrestling as a senior for the Panthers in 2010, has been named to take over the Panther grapplers in his first year as head coach.
Witherell has assisted the Panther wrestling program since graduation.
“We have a good group of guys, and I’m happy with the turnout,” coach Witherell said. “The guys are working hard so far; we want to get better everyday and we are off to a great start.”
Eleven wrestlers are out for the team, and four of them are seniors, including: Jesse Powell, Caleb Lawson, Chance Shepherd and Kiki Ruiz.
“Our group has a good foundation for good things to come,” coach Witherell said. “I would like to see more growth in the program, have more kids come out and become a dominate program.”
J.C. Chumachero, a former teammate of Witherell in 2010, will be an assistant this year as will veteran assistant coach Claude Rose and Blaine Warrior.
The Panthers will open their grappling season in Grand Junction at the Colorado Mesa University Duals on Dec. 5.
