RANGELY I Last weekend the Rangely Panthers wrestled in Meeker for their last tournament of the regular season in a pool with Meeker, Basalt and Olathe. The Panthers first dual of the day was against Meeker.
“We lost this dual but it was a lot of fun and competitive. We actually tied the Cowboys with matches won-lost, winning five and losing five. Meeker outmatched us in the matches they won by securing more pins. It was good seeing our county rivals against each other since we have not dualed them all year,” said head coach JC Chumacero.
The Panthers lost against Meeker and Olathe but defeated Basalt, then won the second pool defeating Palisade and Coal Ridge. Colton Stevens (113), Alex Black (138) and Dalton Dembowski (195) came up short this weekend. Freshman Colton Stevens lost a couple of his matches in the final seconds. “He wrestled the most competitive I have seen him all year,” Chumacero said.
Braxton Moore (120), Justin Rusher (152), Anthony Garner (170), Del Garner (195) and Byron Mackay were able to secure wins. Zane Varner (145) went 4-1 on the day, and Tytus Coombs (160) went 5-0. The season came to an end for three of the young men on the team as only one wrestler per weight can be entered at the regional tournament. Freshman Sage Rhea (145), freshman Kasen Lebleu (152) and sophomore Brent Cantrell (170) have ended their seasons. “These three put in a long grueling season just like the rest of team,” Chumacero said. “They put in a heck of a season and I couldn’t be more proud of them. I am excited to have them back next year. Next weekend is regionals where we hope to keep our season rolling and punch a ticket to the ‘Big Show’.”
