Christian, Torsell punch tickets to state tourney

The Panther wrestling team competed in the regional wrestling tournament in Cedaredge last weekend. Cameron Preciado wrestled very well and placed fifth in his first high school regional tournament. Preciado had a very successful season, finishing at 26-16 at 106 pounds.

Aydan Christian had a very good tournament finishing second, and had a very tough final match due to nerves. Christian currently has a 35-10 record and will compete in the state tournament.

Ronny Anderson, a first-year senior wrestler, had a very good season for his first year of wrestling. Anderson was a quick learner and was very aggressive on the mat. Experience kept him from qualifying for state.

Wyatt Stevens wrestled some very good matches this season but despite hoping that would carry over to regionals, he was ill the week of regionals, lost weight and wasn’t at full strength. Wyatt will be pushing for the podium the next two years.

Freshman Davon Lucero competed all season long and his coaches look for good things from him in his next three years.

Jay Nickson, a cross-country runner turned wrestler, had a tough year, but got a lot better in the room as the season went on. His improvement from day one to the end of the season was night and day. He was ill and did not compete in the regional tournament.

Landon Carlson has one more year to wrestle and his coaches believe he should compete at state next year.

Izaiah Moody had a good chance to qualify for state, but one slipped by that cost him. Moody placed fifth and has one more chance to get to state next season.

Jaxon Torsell, 36-9, had a very good season, placed third at regionals and qualified for the state tournament. Panther wrestling looks for good things from its two state qualifiers and with good solid wrestling hopes to get them on the podium in Denver.

State wrestling starts Thursday at 12 p.m. The program would like to thank everyone who has supported the team and traveled all season long.