The growth of Jefferson County over the past decade has somewhat dulled the proud tradition of Arvada High School athletics.
Student-athletes have their opportunities at Arvada West, Ralston Valley and even Pomona, leaving the Bulldogs with the so-called scraps.
“Our philosophy has always been, we’ll take what walks through our doors,” Arvada coach John Howes said.
Howes and his trio of reigning state champions — nephew Dwight Howes, Garet Krohn and Marcos Peralta — are one step closer to pulling off something at the state tournament that hasn’t been done since 1958-59 and only twice in state history.
It was then that the Steamboat Springs trio of Ted Dorr, Fred Guire and Truman Sandelin became the second team to crown three back-to-back champions, following a Denver North group in 1944-45.
“I knew coming in here that the target was going to be on their heads,” John Howes said. “I kind of looked at the records last year after they were all in there, and I told these guys that they can definitely make their mark.”
Peralta, the 160-pound senior headed to American University, was the first Bulldog through, scoring a 12-1 major decision over Windsor’s Vinny Gonzales.
Krohn, a junior, followed that up against another Wizard — Cosme Martinez — with a pin in 3 minutes, 40 seconds.
Krohn credits his ultracompetitive wrestling practice room for his continued success.
“After wrestling guys like Marcos and Dwight, my opponents don’t seem like much,” said Krohn, who will wrestle Thompson Valley’s Cameron McCrimmon in tonight’s final. “It helps your confidence when you are wrestling two of the best guys in the state.”
Howes completed the trifecta, making quick work of Pueblo Central’s Evan Lancelot in 1:54.
“It took a little longer than I wanted it to,” said the younger Howes, who will continue his grappling career next season at Hofstra.
All of this year’s returning state champions will have a chance to defend tonight, with the exception of Pueblo Central’s 106-pounder Jeremy Baca, who failed to make weight before the quarterfinals.
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
