Every year in late February, the best wrestlers from the state of Colorado converge on the Pepsi Center in Denver to compete for elusive state titles. Matches are always exciting, intensity runs high and blood, sweat and tears run together as the state’s top athletes chase glory.

At this year’s state tournament, which will be held Feb. 19-21, several local wrestlers from Montezuma-Cortez High School, Dolores High School and Dove Creek High School will look to make an impact.

Among those wrestlers is M-CHS’s defending Class 4A 170-pound champion Seager Oliver, who is currently the top-ranked wrestler in Class 3A’s 182-pound division.

Also figuring to fare well are Dove Creek senior Chance Randolph, who finished second last season, and Dove Creek junior Case Baughman, who finished sixth.

Dolores senior Guy Wallace will appear at the state tournament for the first time in his high school career, as will Dolores freshman Austin Hackney, Dolores freshman Brandon Ward and Montezuma-Cortez High School sophomore Josh Ramos.

All in all, 896 contestants will compete across four classifications and 14 weight classes. Of those 896 wrestlers, 56 will be crowned state champion.

The state tournament begins on Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. and lasts throughout the day on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21. Championship matches will be held on the evening of Feb. 21.

For live coverage of all the action, including photographs, videos and stories, visit the Cortez Journal’s Facebook page and www.cortezjournal.com. Updates will also be provided on the Dolores Star’s Facebook Page and at www.doloresstar.com.

Also, be sure to check Twitter @imac_34 for up to the minute updates on all of the area’s local wrestlers.