RANGELY | The Rangely Panthers wrestling team faced tough competition at the Western Slope Showdown in Montrose, CO. The tournament brought together 40 teams ranging from 5A to 2A schools, providing a challenging weekend on the mats. Despite battling hard, the Panthers walked away with no placers but gained valuable experience against some of the region’s strongest wrestlers.
The young team was led by several individuals who put in strong efforts:
106 lbs – Gage Nielsen competed in a tough 16-man bracket but finished 0-2.
113 lbs – Cameron Preciato and Ayden Fraiser stepped up in deep brackets, with Preciato going 0-2 in a 23-man field and Fraiser posting a 1-2 record in his 17-man bracket.
138 lbs – Devon Lucero faced a challenging 31-man bracket and finished 0-2.
144 lbs – Jordan Irwin showed resilience, going 2-2 in a competitive 29-man bracket.
157 lbs – Landon Carlson competed hard but finished 0-2 in a 26-man bracket.
285 lbs – Jordan Blanchard battled through a tough 15-man bracket, finishing 1-2. Unfortunately, Blanchard sustained a fractured kneecap in his final match, a setback that demonstrates the grit and determination of the Panther team.
With several weight classes left unfilled due to injuries or roster gaps, Rangely faced challenges in accumulating team points. The Panthers finished tied for 35th place with 12 team points, sharing the spot with James Irwin Charter School.
The top team honors went to Cedaredge, who dominated the tournament with 181 points, followed by North Fork High School (155 points) and Alamosa (154.5 points).
Though Rangely’s wrestlers came up short this weekend, the team continues to build momentum and gain experience. With determination and continued effort, the Panthers look forward to improving as the season progresses. The tournament served as a learning opportunity, and the team will regroup and prepare for future challenges on the mat.