Competing at the San Juan Basin League Duals in Mancos on Feb. 5, the Dolores High School wrestling team won one of its four duals and finished fourth overall behind Norwood, Ignacio and Dove Creek.
Despite the team's poor record however, numerous individuals fought their way to multiple wins over the course of the one-day competition.
"I thought we did really well," said Dolores head coach Leo Garand. "We brought six guys, and four guys ended up placing in the top-two of the league."
Among the top finishers for Dolores was 106-pound freshman Brandon Ward, who won all four of his matches on the day. Ward's most impressive win came against Dove Creek junior Colin Hobbs in overtime.
"Brandon is firing on all cylinders," said Garand. "He's ranked fourth in the state and I would not be surprised if he made it to the state finals. The way he's wrestling right now, the sky is the limit for him."
Also turning in a solid performance for the Bears was 145-pound senior Guy Wallace, who won three of his four matches on the day. 120-pound freshman Austin Hackney, 170-pound senior Kellen Gatzke and 152-pound sophomore Riley Syra also finished 3-1.
"I was really happy with Riley," Garand said. "He just went out there and wrestled well. He was really having fun. I think he's going to surprise some people at regionals."
With their regular season now complete, Dolores will next travel to the Class 2A West Region Tournament, which will take place in Grand Junction on Feb. 14. Individuals who place in the top-four at the Regional Tournament will move on to state.
"I'd like to see anywhere from three to five guys make it through to state," said Garand. "We have two or possibly three guys who can make the finals at regionals. We're just working hard and focusing right now."
