MEEKER | Nineteen Barone Middle School wrestlers competed in the final league tournament of the school season in Rangely last Saturday, with 17 returning with medals and a second place team trophy.
A few of the young Cowboys will wrestle in the state-qualifying regional tournament this weekend in Grand Junction but for most the middle school season is over.
Of the 19 Meeker wrestlers, 17 of them placed in the top four, including three champs, two runners-up, nine consolation champs and three fourth place finishes.
Seventh-grader Connor Blunt won the 115 pound bracket, while his cousin Kelton Turner ended his eighth-grade season undefeated in 14 matches in the 150-pound division and eighth-grader Parker Pontine ended his middle school career with an undefeated season too in 15 matches.
“We have a good group to move into high school next year,” BMS coach Todd Morris said.
Porter Hossack (125) and Tanner Musser (160) both finished as runners-up in their respective weight classes.
Trae Kennedy (85), Ty Goedert (90), Kaleb Nielson (95), Damon Dade (105) Elijah LeBlanc (120), Dagen Dade (120), Tyson and Dalton Portwood (120 and 140 respectively), along with Zach Eskelson (150) all finished as consolation champs.
Chakwah Brink (80), Kaden Franklin (100) and Triden Powell (135) all placed fourth. Rowdy Rosendahl and Damick Chintala (110) both competed but did not place.
Coach Morris said eight wrestlers will try to qualify this weekend in Grand Junction for the state meet the following weekend in Denver.