Another season of Montezuma-Cortez High School Panthers wrestling has started.
The hours in the weight room, wrestling room, the running, the dieting, is what culminates into one of the worlds most demanding sports. Through all of wrestlings sacrifice, the 13 grapplers suiting up for M-CHS are ready for the first dual on Thursday, Dec. 1.
Our numbers are a little light again this year, Panthers coach Eric Smith said. The kids that we do have, have wrestled. Were not quite as green as we have been, so to speak, but its tough with our numbers down again. Theyre definitely capable of having a good season if they apply themselves, buy into what were doing.
Junior state returners Ryan Daves and Trenton Gustafson look to be back at state this year. For Daves, he has placed fourth in his weight the last two years at the 4A state meet. Last year, Daves posted a 36-12 record at 119 pounds. This year, the junior has bulked up to 132 pounds and may wrestle at 136 pounds later on.
Ive been going to the gym every morning before school and lifting weights, Daves said. I wrestled 132s in Denver (at Monster Match Nationals) a couple weekends ago. The weight didnt feel bad for me. It dont feel too strong for me.
Whatever weight class Daves participates in, he feels hes ready to win that coveted state championship.
Im hoping to win it this year, Daves said about taking state. I have the right mind set to do it. I just want to win it.
Coach Smith feels his 132-pounder can win state.
I look for him to do the same thing. Hes been there twice now and been fourth both years, he said about Daves. Hes to the point now where hes ready to do what it takes to get to the next level. Hes matured. Hes knows what its going to take. Hes wrestled tough kids and hes beat tough kids. Hes going to have to do a little bit extra and hes not afraid to do it.
Gustafson recorded a 19-11 mark in the 2010/11 campaign at 171 pounds. He has bulked up to 182 pounds and looks to strongly contend at state. Freshman newcomer Segar Oliver will take the mat at 152 pounds. Last year as an eighth-grader, Oliver won the first state championship in Cortez Middle School history at 140 pounds. He has been training with Smith at the high school level since last spring.
After his middle school season was done, Segar came in and worked out with us, Smith said. Hes already kind of been knowing what to expect, what we expect of him. Hes fit right in real well. Its not a big shock to him what were doing. Hes kind of one step ahead.
On Dec. 1, M-CHS will host a season opening tri-meet against regional rivals Dove Creek and Aztec (N.M.). The Panthers split the home tri-meet to begin last season by beating Aztec and losing to Dove Creek. The team feels tough competition to start the year will be a great season measuring stick.
Dove Creek is really tough. They have a good team, said Daves, who lost to Dove Creeks Cole Baughman last season. They are smaller, but they help me get prepared for larger tournaments, like the Warrior (Classic in Grand Junction).
Before grappling in the Warrior Classic on Dec. 16-17, the Panthers will be at dual tournaments in Bayfield and Delta on Dec. 3, and Dec. 10. M-CHS will host a dual against Pagosa Springs on Dec. 6, and travel to Delta on Dec. 9, for a dual. The Panthers will host duals with rival Durango on Jan. 11, 2012 and Monticello (Utah) on Jan. 16. Other tournaments include Montrose (Jan. 7), Palisade (Jan. 14), Rifle (Jan. 21), Ignacio (Jan. 28) and the 5A/4A Southwestern League duals in Grand Junction on Feb. 4.
The Panthers are happy to be at home more this season.
It will help our program. Its exciting, Daves said about the home slate. It will let the locals know what its (M-CHS wrestling) like.
Coach Smith really likes the decrease in travel with the schedule.
The kids always like to wrestle at home, in front of their own fans, he said. Travelling every weekend, week out, its wears on them. Its better to be home a little bit more. It will help us be more rested. The kids will be excited for that.
Other varsity wrestlers for M-CHS are Piedra Vista (Farmington, N.M.) transfer Joshua Trujillo (106 or 113 pounds), Levi Gross (120 pounds), Justice Ramose (138 or 145 pounds) and Alec Attencio (170 pounds).
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.