At the outset of Colorado’s Class 2A wrestling tournament this afternoon at the Pepsi Center, it may appear Rocky Ford will be having a dual meet against the rest of the classification.
The Meloneers, who have won 10 state team titles, will have 14 competitors, or one for every weight class.
“It made for a good practice atmosphere,” coach Mike Jurney said of this week’s preparation.
Practice may make for perfect; however, the coach knows better. The classification’s usual tough field will be out in force.
“It really is a stout field,” Jurney said.
Paonia, which has 11 entrants and survived 2A’s most demanding regional; three-time defending state champion Meeker; Dove Creek, generally viewed as overlooked for much of the season; Wray and Nucla are among the powerhouses set to unleash their prowess today at 3 p.m.
There are six returning state champions, three undefeated, included among the field, although the team title is particularly a point of honor among small schools – it has the show of depth among individual excellence.
Jurney pointed to the all-important consolation points and pins as well as the quality of the top teams that will make it a true fight for every point.
Individually, 2A will pace all classes with two competitors seeking their third titles as juniors, a possible prelude to attaining the four-time club in 2006-07.
Limon’s Kevin LeValley (140 pounds) enters 38-0, 109-5 in his career. He won at 130 a year ago, 119 in 2004. And Merino’s Ross Brunkhardt (26-2 this season, 107-6 career) will be looking to defend his crown at 152. He also won at 135 in 2004.
Elsewhere, Joe LeBlanc of Meeker (152) is the defending champion at 145; Rocky Ford’s Matt Maestas (119) has moved up after winning at 112; Nucla’s Brandon Morris is seeking a repeat at 171; and Nucla’s Tucker Lane (215), the runner-up at 189 a year ago, will try to add to his title at 171 in 2004. John Mall’s Zack Meyer (140) is 2A’s third undefeated wrestler (23-0).
Also included are previous runners-up: Grant Hobbs, Dove Creek, 39-1 at 103; Daniel Espinoza, Antonito, 36-2 at 112; Chris Holzworth, Fowler, 23-2 at 130; Lance Gallegos, Arrupe Jesuit, 22-3 at 135; Shane Smith, Paonia, 31-4 at 140; Mikey Swigart, Dolores, 30-4 at 145; and Tanner Ridgeway, Paonia, 29-6 at 171.
Overall, 26 of 30 underclassmen who finished third through sixth return, seven who also placed in 2004.
Teamwise, John Mall qualified 10, second to Rocky Ford. Akron, Merino and Sargent each will have nine, and Center, Dove Creek and Wray will have eight. Meeker has seven.
