Gayle Zimmerman Photo
RANGELY | Last weekend the Rangely wrestlers competed in Rifle against Grand Junction, Rifle, Coal Ridge, Battle Mountain and Basalt.
With it being a dual tournament the Panthers once again had to do some moving around in order to get everyone a match. Colton Stevens (113), Alex Back (138), Sage Rhea (145) and Brent Cantrell (170) came up short of wins this weekend.
“These guys are getting close, and are wrestling really competitive matches. They all work hard in the room and are always eager to learn,” said head coach JC Chumacero. “As coaches we look for week-to-week improvement and these individuals are doing just that. Their success will come if they continue to work as hard as they do.”
Braxton Moore (120), Kasen LeBleu (152), Anthony Garner (160), Dalton Dembowski (220) and Byron Mackay (HWT) secured wins by pin. Garner, Dembowski and Mackay all got a pin while freshman LeBleu was able to pick up two pins. Mackay was unable to finish his last match of the day due to injury. Zane Varner (145) continues to look sharp, winning both of his matches by pin. He will go into next weekend with an impressive 20-3 record.
Senior Tytus Coombs made his return after recuperating from an injury during football season. “Coombs has been chomping at the bit to return and looked hungry this weekend winning all three of his matches in a dominating fashion,” Chumacero said. Coombs had one win by tech fall, one by major decision and one by pin.
“We are excited to have him back and ready to see what he can accomplish,” Chumacero said. “Overall, I am very happy. These young men continue to impress, improve, and work hard. That’s all I ask for, and I couldn’t be more fortunate to have such a good group of young men.” The Panthers will wrestle next in Paonia at the Screaming Eagle tournament this weekend.
“This tournament is almost a duplicate of our regional tournament so it is very important to do well in order to get our head to head matchups and help with regional seeding,” Chumacero said.
Special to the Herald Times
