GAYLE ZIMMERMAN PHOTO
RBC | Both Rio Blanco County wrestling teams will start the 2019 part of the season in Eagle Valley this Saturday, as the Panthers and Cowboys continue their quest to qualify for the state tournament in February.
“This is a good tournament because it has some tough competition,” Rangely Head Coach J.C. Chumacero said about the field of 24 teams from all classifications, including 5A defending state champion Grand Junction.
“The tournament will also show me how much dedication the guys had over break, during the no contact rule,” coach Chumacero said.
Coach Chumacero said all 10 of his wrestlers should be on the mat Saturday, if they all stay healthy and he said, “I am excited to get back on the mat and I think the guys are too.”
Meeker Cowboy head coach J.C. Watt is also excited to start wrestling and said Eagle Valley is a “good after-break tournament.”
“We have some kids moving to different weights and we’ll get to see some good teams in Eagle Valley,” coach Watt said. “We will continue to work hard and keep trying to improve.
“After Christmas is the time to really focus and the matches start becoming much more important,” coach Chumacero said. “We hope to keep improving as a team and individuals.”
By BOBBY GUTIERREZ | Special to the Herald times
