The Cowboys entered the Fight at the Fork with 27 other teams full of tough competition, previous state champions and kids ranked high.
“We have some kids that are sick and so didn’t have a full team, but the kids that were there are all still improving and all of them wrestled well,” commented head coach JC Watt.
Freshmen Koy Weber at 120 pounds and Johnny Rust at 138 pounds both placed sixth.
“Koy had three to four really competitive matches, he had some tough kids that he beat,” commented Watt, “and Johnny is getting rid of his freshman jitters and definitely improving.”
Hilton – wrestled well 4th place – first varsity placing
Reed Goedert 113 pounds, Clay Crawford 132 pounds, Tanner Goodwin 144 pound B bracket, Jake Blazon 165 pounds and Trevor Crooks at 175 pounds all placed fourth.
Goedert, who has been sick and missed last weekend has recovered, “he beat some tough kids and is doing well,” commented Watt.
Crawford lost to the kid who he turned around and beat on the consolation side of the bracket.
”I think Clay is gaining confidence every single day and you can see it,” said Watt.
Goodwin and Crooks look to capitalize on their success this weekend in Parachute.
”Jake beat a really tough North Fork kid to take fourth place and will need to do it again at regionals on the road to state,” commented Watt.
Hayden Shults at 285 pounds placed third.
“Hayden wins the match that sent him to the consolation bracket the majority of the time, he just got caught,” commented Watt.
Cade Blunt, 175 lbs, met the number one kid in 2A in the finals. This will be the only time these two see each other until state.
“The Nucla kid is tough and athletic,” said Watt, “it was good for Cade to see him last weekend and he will be ready.”
Judd Harvey and Noah LeBlanc both came out of top as the champions at 215 pounds and 285. Harvey pinned each of his opponents in the first period including the number three ranked kid and remains undefeated at 31-0 on the year. LeBlanc pinned the number two ranked kid in the finals and won 3-2 over the number three in the semifinals.
”Judd continues to dominate and that is what I expect to see him do the rest of the year,” commented Watt, “and Noah keeps wrestled smarter and really well.”
This weekend are the Grand Valley duals on Saturday followed by three home duals.
Tuesday and Wednesday next week will be Moffat and Rangely and then Saturday Meeker will host duals.
By TIFFANY JEHOREK | Special to the Herald
