Competing at home for the first time this season on Jan. 12, the Montezuma-Cortez High School wrestling team gave their fans plenty to cheer about.
Opening the night against Ignacio, M-CHS won eight of ten matches in route to a 39-15 victory.
Panthers 106-pound junior Colton Reynolds pinned Wyatt Mickas, 152-pound senior Justice Ramos pinned Isaac Pena, and 160-pound senior Andrew Finch pinned Mike Perez.
“My uncle told me to go out there and act like I’m going to throw blows,” said Finch. “I knew it was an important match, so I went out there, did what I could and won.”
“It was a little tough because my knee got pinned, and I heard it pop, but it was good to get the win,” said Ramos.
Panthers 182-pound senior Seager Oliver pinned Blaine Mickey, and heavyweight Victor Perez pinned Josh Gallegos.
“Coming from that loss that he had in Montrose, (Seager) is going to come out guns a-blazing,” said Bellmire. “He’s got a vision, and he’s going to do what it takes to push himself.”
At 132 pounds, M-CHS senior Levi Gross earned a decision victory over Tyler Beebe and at 126 pounds, M-CHS freshman Dakota Tycksen won by forfeit.
“I thought we fought hard,” said M-CHS head coach Shad Bellmire. “We lost to Ignacio last year, so it was nice to get the win this year.
Shortly after defeating Ignacio, the Panthers scored a 54-0 victory.
Highlighting M-CHS’s dual against Mancos was a victory by Briggs Durbin, who pinned Andrew Morgan in a matchup at 145 pounds.
Reynolds also scored an impressive victory, moving up to 113 pounds to pin Rudy Archuleta, who qualified for state last season.
“(Colton) fought tough,” said Bellmire. “He moved up from 106 to 113 (to face Archuleta). He’s not backing down from anybody.”
After facing off against Durango in Cortez on Jan. 15, M-CHS will compete in the Alamosa Tournament on Jan. 17.