The Dolores Bears wrestling team is continuing to build success under second-year coach Dean Valdez.
All four state qualifiers return from last year, including junior Wyatt Wade, who took second at state at 112 pounds.
Wade won 33 of 35 matches last year. His one regular season loss came because of suffering a broken right arm during the match.
However, Wade is back and ready to earn a state championship.
Freshman year, I was supposed to do a lot better than I did. I kind of choked, Wade said. Last year, I wrestled my best, until the championship round, and then I kind of choked. This year, I should be ready for all of it. I should be able to go all the way. You just got to get in the zone.
Wade is presently wrestling at 126 pounds, but is planning to cut down to 120 as the years progresses.
Sophomore state returner Deano Valdez has bulked up from 103 to 120, but may trim back to 113. Junior state returners Wyatt Mattausch and Ryan Johnston will compete at 120 and 152 pounds. Senior Wyatt Wallace appears to be a strong state contender at 170 pounds.
The work that we did over the summer, really helped us out a bunch. It really brought our technique out, Dean Valdez said. If I can get them to continue the hard work from the summer, and keep everybody healthy, Im looking at a very good chance for our team placing (well at state). I think well be in the top-10. Thats what Im really excited about.
Other grapplers include JT Kotarski (106), Luke Murefield (126 or 120), Kolton Shull (132), Trevor Balfour (138), Logan Willbanks (145), Ethen Upton (160) and Richard Belt (220 or heavyweight).
The season begins Friday and Saturday at the Flagstaff, Ariz., tournament. Dolores will participate in the Dawg Fight tournament at rival Dove Creek High School on Dec. 10. The 2A/1A San Juan Basin League tournament is at Norwood on Feb. 3, 2012. Regionals are at Palisade on Feb. 10.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.
