MEEKER | This past week, the Meeker Cowboys girls wrestling team hit the road Thursday evening for a dual at Rifle High School. Despite winter road conditions, the Cowboys left Rifle with a 36-16 victory over the Bears.
Meeker earned six wins on the mat, highlighted by quick pins from senior Emma Ford at 130 pounds, who finished her match in 30 seconds, and junior Ruth LeBlanc at 170 pounds, who pinned her opponent in 1 minute, 42 seconds. Other victories came from sophomore Lorilei Davis (115 pounds), senior Gracie Varner (140), sophomore Ellie Ford (155), and sophomore Abigail Amick (190). Several other matches were decided by forfeit.
The Cowboys faced early setbacks in the lighter weights, including losses and forfeits at 100, 105, 110, 120, 125, and 145 pounds, but strong performances in the middle and upper weights helped secure the win. Head coach Barny LeBlanc noted the resilience of his wrestlers in overcoming challenges. “Being the only one wrestling and being kind of self-conscious about that, they really did a great job of overcoming it, and Ruth won against a girl who’s beaten her every time. That was pretty fun,” he said.
The dual victory set the stage for Meeker’s next challenge as the team traveled to Vernal, Utah, for the Tournament of Champions Friday and Saturday. Riding the momentum from the Rifle dual, the Cowboys competed against some of the top programs in the region.
Meeker finished 12th out of 28 teams. Senior Emma Ford led the way with a second-place finish, while senior Gracie Varner placed eighth. Junior Ruth LeBlanc and sophomore Abigail Amick also earned podium finishes, taking seventh and sixth, respectively.
LeBlanc said the tournament highlighted the program’s growth in its second season. “Last year, Ruth was the only one that placed. This year, we had Emma get second, Abby sixth, Ruth seventh, and Gracie eighth. That’s really encouraging,” he said. “My most encouraging part of coaching these ladies is just seeing how far they’ve come. They are improving, and they’re learning the mental game really well. It’s just fun.”
Ruth LeBlanc said the tournament helped her grow as a competitor and leader. “My matches at TOC helped build my confidence because even though I lost some matches, they were matches that I was very capable of winning. My losses were just mental, and I’m very grateful for some of the weaknesses that it exposed. I’m super excited to get better at those weak spots this week in practice and throughout the season,” she said. She added that adjustments she made during matches will carry into the next tournament. “Some adjustments I made were just to be confident in my shot and to be dominant in the tie. I need to take that into this weekend at Skyview and practice that a lot this week. I’m very excited for this week of practice and the opportunity to get better,” Ruth said. As a team leader, she emphasized setting an example for younger wrestlers. “The biggest way that I can help the younger athletes prepare is to just lead by example and work super hard in practice this week. My goal is to push each one of my teammates when we go live and drill, and to stay positive and determined! I want to push and be pushed by my teammates to go an extra rep each time and work hard this week and all season,” she said.
Abigail Amick said the Tournament of Champions was the toughest of the season but provided key lessons. “Although this was the hardest tournament we’ve been to this year, I did learn a lot about how to deal with stress, and honestly the best thing to do is to stay patient and in good position,” she said.
Emma Ford, who recently signed to wrestle at Western Colorado University, said she is focused on maintaining consistency and a positive mindset. “To be honest, I try not to let it affect my wrestling at all. I try to focus on wrestling my best no matter what, focusing on getting better with each match,” she said. On handling back-to-back tough matches at TOC, she said, “I remember where my identity lies, and that is in Jesus. Not letting my identity be in wrestling or what others think about me frees me to do my best and trust God with the outcome.” Emma added that she is working on sharpening technical skills while helping set the tone for the team. “I’m hoping to strengthen my hand fight so that I can take better shots. I’m helping to set the tone for the team by having a good and uplifting attitude. I’m hoping that by keeping a good attitude after my losses at West Grand, I will show the rest of the team the importance of diligence and not giving up, because the next weekend you can come back stronger,” she said.
In addition to the top finishers, younger wrestlers gained valuable experience. Freshman Maite Camargo, freshman Jenna Pelloni, sophomore Ellie Ford, and sophomore Lorilei Davis each wrestled more than 30 matches over the weekend, sharpening their skills and building confidence against elite competition.
Looking ahead to the Skyview tournament Saturday, Jan. 17, LeBlanc said the team is focusing on refining techniques and mental toughness. “We struggled a bit in twist positions, but it’s been fun seeing them mentally overcome roadblocks, fight through challenges, and win close matches,” he said. He also praised the camaraderie among the wrestlers, noting they are “really excellent teammates” who support one another on and off the mat.
With lessons learned and momentum gained from the Tournament of Champions, the Cowboys now turn their focus to Skyview, aiming to continue building depth and confidence throughout the lineup.
From left, seniors Emma Ford and Gracie Varner of Rangely pose for a photo while flexing after competition, highlighting confidence and leadership on the mat. AMBER GARCIA PHOTO