Wrapping up their spring season at the Aztec Warrior wrestling tournament, May 24-25, nine Dolores wrestlers placed and ten others gained valuable experience.

Among the Bears peewee wrestlers who placed in the top-six were Tristan Laird, Teagun Samora, Ian Begay, Daniel Jacket, Brett Spore and Kadin Johnson.

Dolores middle school wrestlers Taylor Chavez, Jeffery Crites and Cameron Chavez also finished in the top-six of their respective divisions and high school wrestlers Tristan Medina and Riley Syra competed in the tournament.

"For a lot of the younger guys, the (Aztec Warrior) is a new kind of experience," said Dolores High School wrestling coach Leo Garand. "We don't see that kind of quality in wrestling until we get to Regionals and state."

More than 450 teams attended the tournament, which featured wrestlers from at least 16 states.

"There are guys and styles from many different states and it just brings the competition level up," Garrand said. "It's great for our guys to get out from wrestling the same guys week in and week out."

While their spring season is now complete, many Dolores wrestlers will continue practicing in preparation for a team camp, which takes place in Pagosa Springs, June 1-5.

"We are the defending champions in Pagosa's team camp tournament, so hopefully we can continue working hard and place well there this year," Garand said.