MEEKER | The No. 8-ranked Meeker High School girls wrestling team in Class 4A turned in a strong performance at the CHSAA Class 4A Region 3 Tournament last week, sending multiple wrestlers to the podium and earning key state-qualifying finishes while placing second as a team.
Junior Ruth LeBlanc, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A, led the Cowboys with a regional championship at 170 pounds, winning all three of her matches by fall. LeBlanc pinned opponents from Rifle, Olathe and Moffat County to claim first place and score 28 team points.
“My mindset going into this year’s tournament is a lot different,” LeBlanc said. “I have more confidence, more mat time and skill than I did last year, and I’m excited to see how it all goes. Mentally, I’ve grown by learning to be confident and leave it all on the mat with no regrets. I’m confident in dominating ties and shots and doing the hard work. Physically, I’ve become stronger, and drilling my technique has turned it into muscle memory. My dad has done an amazing job teaching us the intricacies of our offense.”
LeBlanc said she is focusing on wrestling hard in every position, in every match. “Last year, when I placed fourth, by the time I made it into the third- and fourth-place match, I kind of checked out and settled for less. This year, my focus is, ‘you’re not done yet.’ I intend to wrestle as hard as I can in every single match for the glory of God.”
She also emphasized her role as a team leader. “I’m learning to lead mentally, balancing expectations of being a regional champ. Me and the other team leaders are working on encouraging the younger girls who haven’t wrestled as much, sharing our previous experience, and showing them how to be mentally strong and handle nerves. I’m super excited for the girls headed with us and grateful for the rest of the team that came so close to qualifying this year.”
Senior Gracie Varner, of Rangely, also captured a regional title, finishing first at 140 pounds. Varner opened the tournament with a 32-second pin before advancing to the finals, where she secured the championship with another fall to contribute 26 team points.
“The regional win gave me a boost in confidence and shows that hard work and dedication pay off,” Varner said. “I tried to stay healthy and focus on strengthening my shoulder that I injured right before Canyon City. As a leader, I want to set a good example with a positive mindset. I try to stay focused and keep out of my head because every match starts 0-0. Standing on the podium is a personal goal, but as a team, I want us all to have a good weekend of practice so we do well at the Big Show.”
“They both wrestled courageously and implemented their game plan,” head coach Barny LeBlanc said of Ruth and Gracie. “Gracie did exceptionally well staying fearless, and it led to her winning the region.”
Senior Emma Ford placed fourth at 125 pounds, recording three victories by fall. Ford opened the tournament with a pin in the quarterfinals and battled through the consolation rounds to earn a podium finish and 14 team points.
Sophomore Ellie Ford also finished fourth at 145 pounds, earning three wins by fall and scoring 14 team points. After reaching the semifinals, she responded with strong performances in the consolation bracket.
“Ellie is in her first year and she has improved amazingly,” LeBlanc said. “Emma is the best 125-pound girl in the state, and it’s incredible to see her growth in skill. It’s a pleasure and a gift to coach them and this entire group — their willingness to work hard is unmatched.”
At 190 pounds, sophomore Abigail Amick placed third, rebounding from a semifinal loss with a pin in the third-place match to add nine points to the team total.
“Abi hit the best low singles she’s had all year,” LeBlanc said. “It’s awesome to see her finding her identity as a wrestler.”
Freshman Adailin Valenzuela placed fifth at 100 pounds, earning multiple wins in the consolation rounds and scoring 10 team points, including a major decision in the consolation semifinals.
“Adi wrestled courageously,” LeBlanc said.
Sophomore Lorilei Davis finished sixth at 115 pounds after advancing deep into the consolation bracket, picking up three wins and contributing 12 team points.
“Lorelei won the most matches of any tournament she wrestled in this year,” LeBlanc said. “I’m really proud of her effort.”
Freshman Maite Camargo placed eighth at 110 pounds, while freshman Jenna Pelloni competed at 120 pounds and gained valuable postseason experience.
As a team, Meeker finished as the regional runner-up for the first time in program history in just its second season, totaling 114 points.
“I’m praising God for all of the girls’ efforts,” LeBlanc said. “Each lady contributed to our finish, and I’m proud of how they’re willing to keep fighting.”
Meeker qualified Ellie Ford, Emma Ford, Ruth LeBlanc, Gracie Varner and Abigail Amick for the state tournament. The Cowboys will now head to the Big Show — the Colorado High School Wrestling State Championships — scheduled for Feb. 19–21 in Denver at Ball Arena.
“We’re going to continue to work on trusting God and wrestling fearlessly,” LeBlanc said. “What excites me most is seeing them embrace challenges and solve problems.”
Reflecting on the program’s growth, LeBlanc credited the broader community.
“I can’t build a culture — I can only facilitate what’s already there,” he said. “From our coaches and athletes to our fans, Bobby Gutierrez taking photos, Nick Smith and the 4-H office providing a place to practice, we are very blessed.”
With their strong regional performances and multiple state qualifiers, the Meeker High School girls wrestling team heads into the Big Show with confidence, experience, and momentum. The Cowboys will look to cap a historic season by building on the lessons learned, wrestling with heart, and representing their program with pride in Denver. As the team takes the mat at Ball Arena, they carry not just points and placements, but the spirit, determination, and camaraderie that have defined their season.
