San Juan Basin League wrestlers have become fixtures on Colorado’s 2A and 3A state podiums, a tradition that sets high expectations for every new season.
Dove Creek head coach Colten Huskey knows the challenge well. His Bulldogs regularly square off against some of the state’s best – often from their own backyard – and this year’s roster has plenty to be excited about.
“We have some tough kids, and the area knows we’re tough – and this year we’re hoping to push to the next level,” Huskey said after his team traded football pads for wrestling singlets.
The Bulldogs opened with a strong showing at the Jerry Benson Tournament in Arizona, placing three wrestlers in the top five of their weight classes against some of the largest schools in the state. “We need these tests,” Huskey said. “They’ll help when regionals and state hit – our kids will know what it’s like to have to fight for every point.”
Leading the way is junior Teagan Larimore, who finished fourth at 132 pounds at last year’s 2A state championships. Classmates Cael Beanland and Konner Spigner also competed at Ball Arena last February and aim for bigger things this season.
Freshman Keaton Banks made an immediate impact, winning the 106-pound bracket with a 5-0 record. Conner Horn-Beanland went 6-2 at 132 pounds, matching senior Chad Kline at 144 pounds; both placed fifth. Beanland added an eighth-place finish, and Spigner closed the weekend at 3-2.
Despite entering only five wrestlers, Dove Creek finished 13th overall with 187 points. Next up: the Western Slope Showdown in Montrose on Dec. 12-13.
The Bluejays are back under second-year head coach Travis White, preparing for another San Juan Basin League title run.
Sophomore Traycer White returns after qualifying for state last winter, joined by junior Tegan Mestas, who earned his first win of the season in Bayfield. Levi Gardner also picked up a victory at the Wolverine Classic as Mancos gears up for Western Slope tests and a trip to Albuquerque for the Conflict at Cleveland.
First-year head coach Ben Doss leads a dozen Bears into the circle, hoping to build on last season’s progress.
Kenji Edwards (132) posted the team’s best finish in Bayfield, taking third. Freshman Marshal Wickstrom went 3-2 for fourth at 144 pounds, matching Adam Hicks at 126 pounds as Dolores placed 13th overall.
The Bears head to Price, Utah, next weekend for the Carbon High School tournament.
