Two tournaments into its season, the Dolores High School wrestling team is beginning to find its form.

Competing at the Dawg Fight tournament in Dove Creek on Dec. 13, the Bears placed five wrestlers on the podium, won one individual title and placed sixth as a team in the 13-team event.

"The guys wrestled really well," said Dolores head coach Leo Garand. I'm really happy with the guys' technique. From the first scrimmage to where we are now, we've really tightened things up."

Leading the way for Dolores was 120-pound freshman Dustin Beltran, who won all five of his matches and finished first overall. Beltran pinned returning state qualifier Rudy Archuleta in the championship.

"(Dustin) just wrestled really smart," said Garand. He caught some people where they made mistakes and was able to pin some people."

Also making the podium for Dolores was 145-pound senior Guy Wallace, who won four of his five matches and finished third overall. Wallace's lone loss came in the semifinals by a score of 6-5.

Competing at 160 pounds, Bears sophomore Riley Syra continued his impressive early season run, finishing the tournament with a 3-1 record and placing third overall.

"This summer, (Riley) made a transformation," said Garand. "He's more aggressive this year, and he's a smart kid. He's putting it all together now."

Bears 126-pound sophomore Tristan Medina finished fourth (3-2), and 170-pound senior Kellen Gatzke finished fourth (3-2).

Sophomore Brandon Ward, 113 pounds, finished the tournament 1-1, and 132-pound freshman Logan Fuller finished 0-4.

"(Brandon) wrestled really well," said Garand. The way his pool was set up, he didn't have a chance to qualify for third or fourth. (Logan) has learned a lot, and he is getting better. He just happens to be in the toughest weight class in the state."

Next up for Dolores will be a home dual against Ignacio on Dec. 18. The Bears will then wrestle at the Bell Webb Classic Tournament at Piedra Vista High School in Farmington on Dec. 20.

"The whole first half of the season, we've focused on technique and moves," said Garand. "We're going to start moving toward serious training and conditioning so we'll be ready for (the state tournament) in February."