RANGELY I With only five wrestlers, the Rangely High School Panthers opened the season at the Colorado Mesa University Duals in Grand Junction. Although the Panthers only won one dual, the Panthers won their fair share of matches.
“As a coaching staff, we were satisfied with the outcome of the day,” head coach Jeff Heinle said. “We got to see what we need to work on this week.”
Heath Peters, Josh Bolding, Nych Deleon, Chance Shepard and Kiki Ruiz all won at least one match, and three of the matmen—Peters, Bolding and Deleon—only lost once.
The Panthers defeated Grand Valley 24-15, winning four of five matches wrestled and they also won four of five matches against Durango but lost the dual 42-24. The Panthers won two matches and lost the dual against Rifle and only won one match against Cedaredge, but won all five matches against Coal Ridge, yet still lost the dual 28-42.
“We looked very impressive for the first event of the year,” Coach Heinle said. “We made a few mistakes, which cost us matches, but we can work on them.”
Coach Heinle said Bolding looked the most impressive, winning four matches and he was pleased with Shepard winning three matches.
“This is Chance’s first event since eighth-grade and he looked really good,” coach Heinle said.
The Panthers will wrestle Hotchkiss on Friday then wrestle in the Delta tournament on Saturday.
