Competing at the Butch Melton Invitational in Ignacio on Jan. 31, the Dolores High School wrestling team was severely undermanned. Three of the four Bears who competed ended up on the podium, however.
Turning in an especially solid performance was Dolores sophomore Brandon Ward, who finished first in the 106-pound division. Ward won all four of his matches on the day, including a 14-9 decision over Dove Creek's Colin Hobbs in the finals.
"Brandon had a great day," said Dolores head coach Leo Garand. "It's really coming together for him. His leg ride has come a long way, and he's getting better every week."
Also making the podium in Ignacio was 145-pound senior Guy Wallace, who finished fourth overall in the tournament. Wallace won his opening two matches before losing a 4-3 decision to Monticello's Brandon Musselman in the semifinals. Wallace then lost to 8-5 to Bloomfield's Avery Scott in the third-place match.
"(Wallace) lost to state placers from Utah and New Mexico," said Garand. He's been coming on strong in the third period. Now we just have to get him to come out strong in the first period."
Rounding out the Bears podium finishers was 120-pound sophomore Tristan Medina, who finished third overall with a 3-2 record. Medina forfeited his final match against Bloomfield's Levi Whitley after sustaining a concussion.
"Tristan wrestled really well," said Garand. He got knocked out in the fourth place match, so he would wrestle at the (San Juan Basin League Duals), but he'll be back for regionals."
Dolores freshman Austin Hackney lost his only two matches of the tournament in the 113-pound division.
"(Austin) is learning a lot, " said Garand. "He has come a long ways for a first year freshman."
Next up for the Bears will be the San Juan League Duals, which will take place in Mancos on Feb. 5. Ignacio, Mancos, Norwood and Dove Creek will also compete in the Duals.
"We'll have six guys in the lineup, so we're just looking for some great individual performances to set a precedent going into regionals," said Garand.