It wasn't pretty, but for five Mancos High School wrestlers, the experience was invaluable.

Squaring off against tough competition at the Aztec Duals on Jan. 25, the Bluejays fought hard throughout the day.

Leading the way 145-pound sophomore Andrew Morgan, who finished with a 3-2 overall record.

"After his first match, he turned it on and wrestled real tough," said Hobbs.

Also producing wins was 170-pound sophomore Everett Strazza-Whalen, who finished 2-2.

Rudy Archuleta, Hunter Kocourek and Bowen Strazza-Whalen finished 0-3.

Hobbs expressed hope that his young wrestlers will make waves over the remainder of the season.

"I think my kids are going to surprise a lot of people in the next three weeks," said Hobbs.

This week, the Bluejays travel to Ignacio for the Butch Melon Invite (Feb. 1), then go to Dove Creek for the San Juan Basin League Meet (Feb. 6).