High school wrestlers win medals at State Championship
Sophomore, Jaden Gardner won his opening match against Junior, Kodi Ingols from Hayden HS by pin at 1:27. He then went on to win his quarterfinal bout by Major Decision 16-7 against Freshman, Jack Doughty from Custer County HS. In Jaden’s semifinal he lost a close battle 3-1 against Junior, Connor Blunt from Meeker HS. This put Jaden into the consolation semifinals where he defeated Senior Koy Smith for the 3rd time this season by pin. In the consolation finals Jaden beat Senior Zane Varner of Rangely 5-0 to secure 3rd place in the 2A 152lb Colorado State Wrestling Championships.
Freshman, Ashley Booth won her opening round against Senior, Katrina Cervantes from Eagle HS by pin at 1:44. She then fell to the eventual 2nd place finisher Junior, Taylor Miess from Chatfield HS 7-0. Ashley then beat Senior, Daisy Gonzalez from Skyview HS 8-3. Daisy had pinned Ashley the week prior at Regionals. Ashley lost by pin in the consolation semifinals to Sophomore, Breaunnah Robles from Douglas County HS. This loss put her in the 5th place match where Ashley defeated Senior, Crystalyn Felan of Lamar 9-5 to secure 5th place overall in the 127 lb bracket at the Girls Colorado State Wrestling Championships.
These were the only 2 wrestlers from Lyons to qualify for the State Championships which were held at the Ball Arena in Denver on February 17 – 19. Technically, Ashley Booth, wrestles for the St. Vrain Valley District Girls Team based out of Mead HS because Lyons does not have a dedicated girls team due to lack of interest. But, she wrestled for Lyons in Middle School and practices with the Lyons boys. So we all consider her part of our Lyons team.
Overall, the season was a great success. A few of our young wrestlers had some success at the Regional tournament. Freshman, Eamon Osborne finished 6th in the Region. And Freshman, Kayden King finished 5th in the Region. Junior, Hunter Powell finished 6th in the Region. Lyons is a very young team. We are sad to lose our only Senior, Wyatt Bashor. But it is encouraging that most all of our team will be back next year to build on the success of this year. I would encourage any young person interested in wrestling to give it a shot. We are looking at building a powerhouse wrestling program here in Lyons and I feel like with the young talent that we have on the team we are in a good position to do so.
