At the end of week two in the Meeker High School wrestling season, three Cowboys remain undefeated: Jake Blazon, Brendan Clatterbaugh, and Judd Harvey.
“Clatterbaugh and Harvey are both wrestling really tough this year,” commented head coach JC Watt. “Clatterbaugh has matured into his body and is very strong, there will not be a lot of kids that can match his strength. Harvey is doing what he has been for the last couple of years, both of them dominated their opponents this weekend.”
“Blazon has pinned his way while wrestling a JV schedule. He will make weight this weekend to be our varsity 165-pounder,” commented Watt.
Thursday the Cowboys dualed both Buena Vista and Cedaredge before competing in a new two-day tournament in Montrose.
This early in the season the Cowboys did not have a full team. They still won over Buena Vista but lost a tiebreaker over Cedaredge.
“It takes time for the kids to make weight on the descent plans and with a couple of injuries it will be after Christmas before we have a full team.
The inaugural Western Slope Showdown brought teams from Colorado, New Mexico and Utah to the Montrose Events Center. The eight mats allowed for three tournaments to be held in one location — a girls’ tournament, JV and varsity.
“This was a well-run tournament with a lot of teams we do not see often, I am excited to see how it will continue to grow,” commented Watt.
Five Cowboys placed in the JV tournament. Blazon took first at 175 lbs, Dawson Richardson sixth, Orion Musser sixth at 175, Zeek Gianinetti second, and Aiden Buckler fifth at 120.
“The JV did really well and we were able to get them some good matches,” said Watt, “this coming weekend in Fruita will be another opportunity for them to get some additional quality mat time.”
In the varsity tournament, three Cowboys took the podium.
“We just have not had enough time yet in the wrestling room,“ Watt said. “The successful football season pushed the wrestling season back and the boys are not in wrestling shape yet but they are getting there.”
Cade Blunt pinned his opponent in his final match as did Clatterbaugh. Harvey faced another two-time state champion from New Mexico and won by decision.
Clatterbaugh and Harvey both took first place and both beat multiple ranked opponents. Clatterbaugh’s opponent is the defending 175 state champion and after their match he is now fully expected to drop to 175.
“When I was getting ready to wrestle him my only thought was to just be prepared for what he does and just take it to him and never give him a chance to get going,” commented Clatterbaugh.
“Both Clatterbaugh and Harvey are wrestling really smart and really well early in the season,” said Watt.
Harvey also received the outstanding wrestler in the upper weights.
This weekend the team will split. The JV will be in Fruita for a two-day tournament that begins Friday at 5 p.m. The varsity will be at the Warrior Classic in Grand Junction which begins Friday at 10 a.m. and continues Saturday at 9 a.m.
TIFFANY JEHOREK photos
Three Cowboys are undefeated this season: Brendan Clatterbaugh, Judd Harvey, and Jake Blazon.
