Since moving to Colorado prior to the 2014-15 school year, Andrew Finch has used and speed to excel on wrestling mats.
A state qualifier in Texas last season, qualified for his first Colorado state tournament after finishing fourth at Regionals in the 160-pound division.
“I was confident,” said Finch of his mindset entering Regionals. “My uncle always tells me that I have the speed, strength and technique to beat anyone. I just tried to be deliberate and focus on maintaining good technique.”
Finch (18-16) will open the state tournament against Brush High School’s Alec Petterson (35-7) on the afternoon of Feb. 19.
If he wins, Finch will face off against Lamar High School’s Draven Adame (32-6) or Denver North High School’s Nick Montez (14-5) on the morning of Feb. 20.
“My goal is to take things one match at a time,” said Finch, who played football in the fall and will compete with the Ute Mountain High School rodeo team this spring. “There are a lot of good wrestlers in Colorado and I can’t take anyone for granted.”
Off the mat
Favorite band: Jimmy Dean
Favorite movie: The Notebook
Dream job: Lineman
Influential people: Uncle and coaches
Risky activity: Bullriding