For the first time since Mancos High School resurrected its wrestling program two years ago, local fans had the opportunity to watch the Bluejays compete at home.
Things did not go particularly well for the Bluejays, as Mancos lost to Dolores, Dove Creek, Ignacio and Norwood at the San Juan Basin League Duals on Feb. 5.
"We're in one of the toughest leagues around," said Mancos head coach Grant Hobbs. "It's not like we did terribly well, but we were competitive, and we worked hard. All of my kids are working hard right now."
Among the bright spots for Mancos was the performance of 113-pound senior Rudy Archuleta, who defeated Dove Creek's Rhett Quackenbush and scored forfeit victories over Dolores and Norwood.
Archuleta's lone loss on the day came to Ignacio's Stocker Robbins, who finished second at state last year.
"Rudy probably had the best day of all of our wrestlers," said Hobbs. "He's wrestling tough right now."
Next up for Mancos will be the Class 2A Western Region Tournament in Grand Junction on Feb. 14.
"Every kid's hope and dream is to make the state tournament," said Hobbs. "All the kids will have that opportunity and whichever ones take the best mindset to capturing their goal will have the best shot."
