Although the Bluejays failed to secure an individual championship at the competitive event, three Mancos wrestlers competed in championship matches and finished 2nd overall. As a team, the Bluejays finished 3rd behind Norwood and team-champion Hotchkiss High School.
Among the Mancos wrestlers finishing 2nd overall was 145-pounder Breccen Morelli, pinned Fruita Monument’s Charlie Rice in the first round and pinned Norwood’s Broc Joseph in the second round before losing to Hotchkiss standout Jace Peebles in the championship match.
Cameron Fury pinned Olathe’s Norma Alejandro in the opening round before losing to Nucla High School’s William Gabriel in the 182-pound championship, while Kaleb Hargraves won two of his three matches and finished 2nd in the 195-pound division.
Rounding out Mancos’ 2nd place finishers was 106-pounder Ty Everett, who pinned Gunnison’s Jared Van Hee in the first round before losing to Gunnison’s Bryon VanHee by major decision in the championship match.
Lot Martin finished 0-5 in the 113-pound division, Cold Fury finished 2-2 at 126-pounds, and Andrew Ruatti won one of his three matches in the 138-pound division.
Next up will be a Class 2A Regional Wrestling Tournament in Delta on Feb. 10. The top four placers in each weight division at the regional will go to state.