While the second day of the Colorado State High School wrestling tournament did not yield any championship qualifiers for the Dolores High School wrestling team, the Bears performed well.
Upton loses in state semifinals
Wrestling in the 2A state semifinals, Bears' 182-pound senior Ethen Upton was narrowly beaten, 4-2, by Swink High School's Brody Wisemon.
After an even first period in which neither wrestler was able to gain an advantage, Wisemon finally got on the board in the second, scoring a takedown to move ahead 2-0.
Wismon then extended his lead to 4-0 before two late points by Upton narrowed the gap late in the third period.
Upton was unable to secure a takedown however, Swink secured a spot in the finals.
Upton will wrestle in the consolation bracket on Feb. 23.
Valdez advances after morning loss
Wrestling with the passion and energy, Bears' senior Deano Valdez defeated Norwood High School's Trenton Armintrout 11-3 to advance in the consolation bracket.
After pulling ahead 2-0 to end the first period, Valdez began to take control in the second, pulling ahead 6-1 before blowing things open in the third period.
With the victory, Valdez kept his hopes of a third place finish alive. Valdez will next match up against Center High School's Jeremiah Moreno (24-2).
Martinez wins to advance in consolation bracket
Unwilling to concede defeat, Bears' sophomore Richard Martinez advanced to the third round of the consolation bracket, defeating Byers High School's Dalton Eldringhoff 5-4.
Martinez will next face off against Rocky Ford's Jeremy Fraser (30-7) on Feb. 22.
Medina eliminated after second loss
Competing in the second round of the consolation bracket, Bears' freshman Tristan Medina was pinned by Lyons High School's William Hickman.
With the loss, Medina was eliminated from the state tournament.
