MEEKER | The No. 8-ranked Meeker High School girls wrestling team in Class 4A opened last week with a 30–18 road win over Moffat County in Craig, then followed with multiple podium finishes at the Meeker Girls Showdown on Saturday.
Meeker won six matches in the dual, four by fall. Senior Emma Ford pinned Sydney Preston at 125 pounds in 1:20, and sophomore Ellie Ford followed with a fall over Niyla Ennis at 155 in 2:13. Freshman Maite Camargo (110), junior Ruth LeBlanc (170) and sophomore Abigail Amick (190) all earned wins by forfeit.
Moffat County picked up pins at 100 and 115 pounds, but Meeker’s depth through the middle and upper weights proved decisive.
“We were really excited to win against opponents who had beaten us earlier in the season,” head coach Barny LeBlanc said. “We’re learning not to be afraid of the outcome.”
That momentum carried into the Meeker Girls Showdown, where the Cowboys posted three individual champions. Emma Ford finished first at 125 pounds, Ruth LeBlanc won at 170, and Amick earned first at 190.
Ellie Ford placed second at 155 pounds, freshman Adailin Valenzuela took third at 100, Camargo placed third at 110, and freshman Jenna Pelloni finished fourth at 120.
“They’re getting better at implementing their ties and executing their attacks,” LeBlanc said.
The weekend marked a milestone for Valenzuela, who recently returned from a broken collarbone.
“This weekend she beat the girl who broke her collarbone,” LeBlanc said. “I’m really proud of her for facing her fear.”
As regionals approach, LeBlanc said her postseason mindset has shifted from last year, when she placed fourth at state.
“I’m a lot more confident than I was last year,” she said. “I have more mat time, and that helps me mentally prepare.”
She said her focus remains on execution rather than expectations.
“When I step on the mat, my mindset is to run my offense and work to the next position every time,” LeBlanc said.
Amick said increased confidence has come with experience.
“The more matches I wrestle, the better I feel,” she said, crediting teammates Ruth LeBlanc and Emma Ford for their leadership.
The Cowboys will compete at the regional tournament Feb. 13–14 at North Fork High School in Hotchkiss. The top four finishers in each weight class will advance to the CHSAA State Championships the following weekend at Ball Arena in Denver.
Abigail Amick of Meeker High School celebrates on the podium after claiming first place at a recent wrestling tournament, highlighting her strong season and key role in the Cowboys’ lineup. BOBBY G’s MEMORIES PHOTO