Buoyed by a combination senior leadership and freshman energy, the Dolores High School wresting team enjoyed a solid opening day at the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 22.
Competing at the Pepsi Center in Denver, the Bears finished the day 3-1 with hopes of maintaining momentum heading into tomorrow.
Martinez solid in state tournament debut
Showing no sign of nerves, Bears' 113-pound freshman Richard Martinez dominated in the first round, beating Fowler's Gino DeVore 16-0 to earn a technical fall victory.
With the big win, Martinez advances to the tournament's second round where he will meet Merino High School's Marcelino Baptista (20-3).
Valdez performs well in first round victory
Matching up against a tough opponent in Merino High School's Leon Jonson, Bears' 145-pound senior Deano Valdez advanced by virtue of a hard-fought 10-4 victory.
Next up for the Dolores senior will be a second round matchup against Wink High School's Blake Denton (37-5).
Upton dominant in opening round victory
Looking every bit a regional champion, Bears' 182-pound senior Ethen Upton got his state tournament off to a solid start, pinning Cheyenne Wells High School's Jeremiah Cozart.
With the victory, Upton advances to the tournament's second round where he will meet Sierra Grande' High School's Jose Cisneros (14-4).
Medina pinned in opening round
After battling hard throughout his opening match, Bears' 106-pound freshman Tristan Medina was finally pinned by Akron High School's Tanner Watson.
Next up for Medina will be a chance at redemption in the consolation bracket as the freshman is slated to take on Las Animas High School's Marcos Fernandez.
Continue to follow the Bears' progress through the state tournament at www.facebook.com/DoloresStar and www.doloresstar.com
