When Montezuma-Cortez High School wrestler Colton Reynolds hits the mat, it is best not to blink. Those who do so are liable to miss a lightning-fast pin by the 5-foot-4, 106-pound junior, whose fiery style has helped him amass a 22-7 record this season.
Fast-rising grappler
An experienced grappler who began wrestling at the age of 4, Reynolds enjoyed success at the peewee and middle school levels, but decided not to wrestle during his first two years of high school.
Like many wrestlers who stay away from the mat however, Reynolds got the itch to compete and joined the M-CHS team this season. Thus far, the junior has enjoyed the prep grappling experience.
“High school wrestling has been fun,” he said. “It’s definitely a lot more of a challenge than middle school and peewee. I try to listen to the coaches because they know a lot more than I do, and I try hard every match.”
While Reynolds has yet to win a major tournament this year, he has made several appearances on the podium and is confident that he can close out his season on a high note.
“My goal is to do well this weekend at the Southwest League Duals, get into the top four at regionals and then take state hopefully,” Reynolds said.
Experienced football player
Before this high school wrestling season, Reynolds focused on football and suited up as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
While Reynolds has yet to earn significant playing time on the M-CHS varsity, the cornerback/wide receiver made an impact on the sideline with words of encouragement and advice.
“Last football season was awesome,” said Reynolds. “I couldn’t believe how far we made it. Next season, we’re not going to have a great running back like we had, but we’ll match what we did last year.”
Dedicated student, avid outdoorsman
When not playing football or wrestling, Reynolds works hard in the classroom and receives high marks. The junior said that his favorite subject is math because it is challenging.
Reynolds remarked that he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors.
“I’ve hunted elk, deer, rabbits and turkeys,” said Reynolds. “I like to fish at McPhee down Beaver Canyon and catch smallmouth bass.”
As for his plans for the future, Reynolds hopes to attend college at Colorado Mesa University and take prerequisite classes. He would then like to transfer to another school and study to become a surgeon.
“My mom has had some complications with her brain, and I want to learn what’s wrong with her and how to fix it,” said Reynolds, when asked what draws him to a profession in the medical field.
