MEEKER | The Meeker High School girls wrestling team closed out its season at the 2026 CHSAA Class 4A State Wrestling Championships at Ball Arena with two medalists and a state runner-up finish from junior Ruth LeBlanc.
LeBlanc, who took fourth place overall at state last season at 170 pounds and became the first girl from Meeker to place at the tournament, made more history for the young program this year. Competing again at 170 pounds, LeBlanc (34-7) advanced to the championship match and finished as state runner-up, scoring 22 team points. She opened the tournament with back-to-back wins by fall, pinning Clare Anthony of James Irwin Charter in 35 seconds and Bralynn Arroyo of Wiggins, last season’s state champion at 170 pounds, in 4 minutes, 36 seconds.
In the semifinals, LeBlanc earned a 6-2 decision over Vivienne Combee of Canon City to secure her spot in the title match. She ultimately fell 10-4 to Julianna Darmafall of Liberty Common in the championship bout.
Reflecting on her performance, LeBlanc said, “Praise the Lord for the opportunity! It was a very fun weekend, and I enjoyed every minute of it! Last year’s state tournament helped me this year so much. I had a lot more confidence heading into the tournament, and I had more ideas of what to prepare for mentally throughout the week leading into it. The mental preparation is extremely important. Last year, when I realized that I could place at the state tournament, that motivated me to make finals this year! That motivated me in the off-season to put in more work to get to the top. It definitely felt different. I was nervous but not quite as nervous as last year. It made it less intense because I knew what to expect and how to prepare. There was definitely some added pressure being a state placer last year. I tried not to focus on the expectations everyone had of me or become anxious about the expectations I had of myself, but to reflect on my offense and previous successes and trust God with the outcome. I am a much better wrestler than I was last year. Lots of components of my offense feel much stronger and more precise. I am super grateful for the hard lessons I learned in some of my mid-season tournaments. This year, it means a lot to me to place higher than fourth. Being in finals was an amazing opportunity, and I really enjoyed the memories I will have from that. I am disappointed that I didn’t get that state title, but I’m shooting for that next year, and I’m excited for the off-season so I can work hard for that! Praise God for the opportunity and ability to wrestle!”
Senior Gracie Varner of Rangely, Colorado (23-12), placed sixth at 140 pounds, scoring 11 team points. Varner opened with two dominant pins, defeating Melany Garcia-Castillo of La Junta in 54 seconds and Taylor Seely of Weld Central in 1:43 to reach the semifinals. She lost in the semifinals and later in the consolation semifinals before finishing sixth after a medical forfeit in the fifth-place match.
Ellie Ford (23-22) also placed sixth at 145 pounds, contributing 11 team points. Ford pinned Penny Dickinson of Conifer in 1:40 and last year’s state champion at 145 pounds, Lillianna Lopez of Pueblo Central, in 4:28 to advance to the semifinals. At one point, she trailed 10-1 before scoring a reversal and pin. Ford joined the wrestling team later in the season after starting the winter sports season on the girls basketball team. She fell in the semifinals but continued through the consolation bracket to finish sixth.
At 190 pounds, sophomore Abigail Amick (19-13) scored seven team points. Amick opened with a first-round pin over Bridget Joshua of Pueblo Central in 3:34. After a quarterfinal loss, she rebounded with a fall over Layla Viernes of Skyview before being eliminated in the consolation rounds. Reflecting on her second state tournament, Amick said, “This was my second time at state, and I wasn’t nearly as nervous as I expected to be. Last year felt terrifying, but afterward I realized it was just another tournament. That perspective helped me approach this year with more confidence. There were definitely some tough matches. When things got challenging, I was able to mentally reset by talking with my teammates and coaches. I’ve learned that I need to get out of my own head—sometimes my nerves can be tougher to beat than any opponent. Representing Meeker has been one of the coolest experiences I’ve had. It’s an incredible feeling to compete at that level and have people know where I come from.”
Senior Emma Ford (29-10) competed at 125 pounds. She lost her opening-round match to Breezy Johnston of Holy Family and was eliminated in the consolation round by Nevaeh Odegaard of Severance.
Head coach Barny LeBlanc praised the girls’ growth and performance. “Praise God! It has been amazing to have such an incredible group of ladies to build our culture with. Ruth especially has grown immensely and learned to attack the hard things rather than shrinking back. She definitely gave it her all and I’m so proud to be her coach. She has grown in her faith in God so much through the trials of wrestling,” he said.
LeBlanc also emphasized the significance of the program’s success this season. “It is just a fruit of these girls’ excellent work! They worked extremely hard this year and grown in their skill set. Praise God! They realized their freedom from fear, especially on Thursday! I’m so proud of how they walked out their faith and that they received the fruit of that effort. Gracie fought through a separated shoulder and a torn hamstring to place sixth. Ellie has grown so much—it’s awesome to see how she just keeps working and came from being down 11-2 against the returning state champ to get the pin in the quarterfinals,” he said.
On Abigail Amick, LeBlanc said, “Abi has an outstanding attitude. She selflessly wrestled up, weighing 158 and wrestling 192-pound girls, and to be one match away from placing shows her strength and courage. I’m excited to see what she does in the future.”
LeBlanc praised Emma Ford’s season-long effort, saying, “Emma is amazing in her effort level and natural gifting for wrestling. She has led in hard work this year and has done everything rightly, but sometimes it doesn’t go how we anticipate. God is still trustworthy. Emma has really done excellently and I’m bummed that it didn’t result in the placing we wanted, but she is a champion, and I look forward to what she will accomplish in wrestling and life.”
Reflecting on the program’s growth, he added, “It’s cool to see the unique approach each lady takes to wrestling and especially their joy. That they can accomplish anything they put their hearts to.”
Following the tournament, head coach Barny LeBlanc emphasized that the team’s success is the result of a collective effort. He expressed sincere appreciation for assistant coaches Clea Steerman, Ben Quinn, Steve Gianinetti, Noah LeBlanc and Kelly LeBlanc, noting that their leadership, dedication and daily commitment are instrumental to the program’s growth. LeBlanc said the program is blessed to have so many individuals investing their time and energy into the athletes, creating a strong support system that continues to elevate Meeker girls wrestling.
With a state runner-up finish from Ruth LeBlanc and sixth-place finishes from Gracie Varner and Ellie Ford, the Meeker High School girls wrestling team concluded another milestone season at the state tournament. Abigail Amick also contributed strong performances throughout the bracket, highlighting the depth and resilience of the team.
The Cowboys’ achievements mark continued growth for the program in just its second season, building on last year’s successes and setting a foundation for future seasons. The team leaves Ball Arena having made history, gained invaluable experience, and demonstrated the talent, heart, and determination of Meeker girls wrestling.
Ruth LeBlanc works for wrist control during her championship finals match Saturday evening, battling for position in a tightly contested bout. LeBlanc’s aggressive hand fighting and mat awareness helped set the tone in the title match. ZACH CLATTERBAUGH PHOTO