Mustangs wrestling at State Finals

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photo by Mike Wilson | Gage Bonewell gives it his all at the State finals. For more photos, visit Grand Gazette Facebook page.
photo by Mike Wilson | Gage Bonewell gives it his all at the State finals. For more photos, visit Grand Gazette Facebook page.

by Brian Strathman
Head Wrestling Coach
The West Grand Wrestling team traveled to the Pepsi Center to compete in the State Finals. Every trip to the Pepsi Center is special for each athlete. It is the culmination of the entire season of work and every individual’s goal. It is an extremely exciting event competing at such a venue. The excitement as 2A – 5A compete at the same time is electric for the crowd. Every wrestlers first trip to Denver is full of nerves and excitement. Representing WG were David Santos 106 and Gage Bonewell 120.

David opened the tournament against the defending and repeat State Champion McFall from Fowler. He came ready to wrestle and the big stage didn’t bother him. He came out and took it to the defending champion. Unfortunately, he lost his first match to put him on the bottom side of the bracket. David’s second match was against Duran from Rocky Ford. David wrestled well again but came up short losing his second match knocking him out of the tournament. David had a great tournament and got to be part of all the excitement for the first time. Losing to the eventual State Champion and being his longest match of the tournament is a great way to finish the year. David has 2 more years remaining and is looking to make 2 more trips to the Pepsi Center.

Gage opened Thurs. with a tough match against Wommack from Custer County who went on to the Semi’s and ended the tournament in 6th place. Gage wrestled well but lost a close match putting him on the bottom side of the bracket. Next up for Gage was Felhager from Trinidad. Gage lost another close decision knocking him out of the tournament. This was Gage’s last chance to qualify for State and end his senior season on a high note. Gage has been a big part in helping the team grow in his short time here. With such a young team Gage was a big part of leading the team by example on what it takes to compete at a high level.

With Gage being the only Senior the entire team returns next year. The team is already ready to get to work so each of them can make the trip to Denver next year.

Come out this weekend to support the MS wrestlers in their only home tournament starting at 9 a.m. the West Grand High School.