MEEKER | The Meeker boys wrestling team traveled to Ball Arena this past weekend to compete in the Colorado State Wrestling Championships. The Cowboys qualified five wrestlers for the event, led by seniors Cade Blunt (175 lbs) and Clay Crawford (138 lbs). They were joined by junior Drake Jones (165 lbs), sophomore Koy Weber (126 lbs), and freshman Eli Rundberg (113 lbs).
Meeker got off to a strong start, with four wrestlers advancing past the first round. Rundberg pinned Akron High School’s Raegan Torres in the second period, while Weber defeated Aidan Sherman of Merino High School with a 7-0 victory, securing the win by pin in the second period. Crawford followed with a dominant 18-1 technical fall over Peyton High School’s Zachary Halliday in the first period.
Defending state champion Blunt made quick work of Sedgwick County Fleming’s Levi Reichman, winning by pin in the first period. Jones faced a tough matchup in the opening round but wrestled well.
Blunt noted that this year’s tournament felt different from last year’s, given his status as a defending champion.
“Last year, I came into state with the mentality of going out and competing, laying it all on the line,” Blunt said. “This year was different because I was defending a title, not just going for it.”
In the quarterfinals, Rundberg and Crawford suffered tough losses, sending them to the consolation bracket. Meanwhile, Weber and Blunt advanced to the semifinals, scheduled for Friday night.
“They are wrestling hard, and nothing more could be asked of them,” said head coach Stryker Lane.
On Friday night, Weber opened the semifinals with a first-period pin over Highland High School’s Carter Jensen, taking control early with a takedown and near-fall points to secure a 7-0 win. Blunt faced Yuma’s Daden Beauprez in a three-period match, ultimately securing a 9-0 victory to earn his spot in the finals.
“One of my biggest influences has been Coach Lane. He has always been there for me and helped me improve a ton,” Blunt said. “Coach Nate Lee has also been a huge benefit, especially helping me on my feet, and Coach Turner has been a great mentor.”
Crawford picked up a crucial win Friday night to advance in the consolation bracket. On Saturday afternoon, he wrestled for third place against Monty Yarnell of Olathe High School. Crawford controlled the match from the start, leading 9-1 after the first period. He added two more takedowns in the second, extending his lead to 15-1. In the third period, Crawford secured the technical fall with a 16-1 victory, placing third in the Class 2A 138-pound division.
In the finals, Weber faced three-time state champion Traven Sharon and battled hard but fell short against the eventual four-time champion. Sharon became the only four-time state champion in Colorado this year.
Blunt, defending his 175-pound state title, took on Highland High School’s Wyatt Chase in the finals. Blunt controlled the match early, scoring a takedown and near fall to build a 6-0 lead. Chase escaped, but Blunt secured another takedown before the end of the first period, making it 9-1.
In the second period, Blunt racked up four near-fall points in the first 1:25, extending his lead to 13-1. Another four-point near fall put the match away at 17-1, sealing a victory by technical fall and his second consecutive state title.
Blunt shared advice for younger wrestlers aiming for championships.
“Don’t let a lot of good work go to waste because you didn’t want to put a little more work in,” Blunt said. “You just have to put in a lot of work and have the mentality that comes with it.”
Blunt, who finished his senior season with a 49-1 record, said this may be the end of his wrestling career.
“I think I’m done as far as wrestling, but I will definitely carry the traits that wrestling has taught me into my career after high school,” Blunt said.
Coach Lane reflected on the team’s performance and the departure of his two senior leaders.
“The boys did an amazing job at state. I thought it was the best we wrestled all season,” Lane said.
“Our two senior wrestlers are going to be missed. I have worked with them since they were eighth graders. It’ll be strange not having them in the room anymore,” he added.