Few wrestlers ever experience the joy that accompanies winning a high school wrestling championship.
Following another outstanding performance, Montezuma-Cortez High School junior Seager Oliver can count himself among those who have.
Competing in the 170-pound finals of the Class 4A Colorado State Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 22, Oliver was nothing short of spectacular, beating Erie High School’s Ladd Bunker 13-6.
“I never thought that being a state champion would feel this good, but it sure does,” said Oliver shortly after his match.
Dominating from start to finish as he did throughout the tournament, Oliver scored an early takedown before pulling Bunker onto his back to take a 4-0 lead.
The move used by Oliver to subdue Bunker the same move used by the junior throughout the tournament.
“They call it a cheap tilt and it’s pretty much my signature move,” said Oliver. “I rack up points with that.”
Although Bunker recovered to cut Oliver’s lead to 5-2 entering the second period, Oliver began widened the gap, pulling ahead 10-2 entering the third frame.
After holding off a spirited attack from Bunker early in the final period, Oliver watched the clock expire and let out a spirited “yes” before quickly moving to congratulate his devastated opponent.
Classy as always, Oliver made an impression on fans, teammates and coaches alike and after the match, M-CHS head coach Shad Bellmire spoke about the experience of coaching the standout junior.
“We had a blast coaching (Oliver),” said Bellmire. “He just has that can’t stop me attitude. He always has wrestling on his mind.”
Rest assured, wrestling will not soon be far from the star junior’s mind as he basks in the joy of his state championship.