MEEKER | The Meeker High School girls wrestling team continued its season last weekend with a busy stretch of competition on the road.
The Cowboys began Friday with a triangular dual hosted by North Fork High School. In their first matchup against the Miners, Meeker fell just short, 42–36, despite earning six victories on the mat, five by fall.
Maite Camargo opened the scoring at 110 pounds with a first-period pin of Audrina Sanchez in 1:49. Jenna Pelloni followed with a fall at 125 over Jocy Ramirez in 5:07. Senior Emma Ford continued her strong season at 135, pinning Kiera Stroh in 2:42. Gracie Varner dropped her bout at 145, but Meeker responded with quick pins through the middle weights. Hayden Garcia needed just 52 seconds to secure a fall at 155, and Ruth LeBlanc followed with a 46-second pin at 170. Abigail Amick added six points at 190 with a forfeit win, keeping Meeker close heading into the final bouts. A double forfeit at 235 closed out the dual.
“They showed how far we’ve come from last year and got some good experience,” coach Barny LeBlanc said of the early duals.
The Cowboys bounced back with a 39–24 road victory over Monte Vista. Camargo again got Meeker on the board early, recording a 28-second pin at 110 pounds over Moriah Molina. Lorilei Davis followed at 120 with a decision win over Emmah Taylor, 15–8. Pelloni added six points at 125 with a forfeit win, while double forfeits at 130 and 135 kept the match close.
Meeker regained momentum in the middle weights, with Emma Ford pinning Annika Butero at 140 in 1:03 and Gracie Varner posting a 3:15 fall at 145. After a loss at 155, Ruth LeBlanc secured a 1:40 pin at 170. Abigail Amick closed out the scoring at 190 with a forfeit win, leaving the final score 39–24.
Camargo said scoring early with quick pins was key to the team’s success. “I go all in and there is only one way to end and it’s being unstoppable,” she said. “Wrestling is a mindset sport you must have a mindset of doing more than the standard and that is something I value deeply. Self reflection and self correction is a constant process as well as hard work. Must be able to see that the hard times are part of the process and you will endure excellence if you pair it with motivation and belief. Anything is possible.”
Senior Hayden Garcia said the duals taught her lessons in both strategy and mental toughness. Watching opponents before her matches allowed her to set a plan, but she learned not to rely on overconfidence and to adjust on the mat. She added that, as a second-year program, team points aren’t the main focus — supporting teammates and building confidence, especially for younger wrestlers, is equally important.
Nine Meeker wrestlers competed against top programs from across the Western Slope at the Western Slope Showdown in Montrose on Saturday. The team finished fourth overall with 105 points. Senior Emma Ford led the way with a first-place finish at 135 pounds. Ruth LeBlanc (170) and Abigail Amick (190) each placed second, and Gracie Varner (145) finished fourth.
Amick said the tournament was a step up in competition from Soroco. “The matches were tougher, and the opponents were stronger, but what stood out the most was the girls’ attitudes and how excited everyone was to be there, which was really encouraging,” she said. She noted her own growth in reading opponents and advancing to the next position. Amick added that she hopes to gain more knowledge from the upcoming Warrior Classic and wants her team to perform at its best.
LeBlanc said early-season duals and tournaments help refine skills and build confidence. “Confidence and small positional adjustments will help the team be really competitive moving forward,” he said. He praised Emma Ford’s consistency, saying, “I’m really proud of Emma because she has endeavored to be more offensive and it is really paying off.” On Ruth and Abigail, he added, “They just need to decide to wrestle in positions that they have instigated instead of letting their opponent decide where we’re wrestling.”
Looking ahead to the Warrior Classic on Dec. 20, LeBlanc said success will be measured beyond placement. “We’re learning that we’re not going to win every battle, but we’re going to keep fighting to the next position. I’m super proud of each of these young ladies’ effort level and excited to see where that commitment takes them,” he said.
With victories, quick pins, and key lessons already under their belts, the Cowboys enter the Warrior Classic with momentum, determination, and the skills to compete at a high level while continuing to grow as individuals and as a team.
Back row, from left: Coach Noah LeBlanc, Ellie Ford, Lorelei Davis, Hayden Garcia, Jenna Pelloni, Maite Camargo, Coach Kelly LeBlanc, Head Coach Barney LeBlanc, and Coach Clea Steerman. Front row, from left: Coach Steven Gianinetti, Emma Ford, Ruth LeBlanc, Gracie Varner, and Abigail Amick. The Meeker High School girls wrestling team poses together following strong performances in recent duals and tournaments.