The Bayfield High School wrestling team tested its toughness at the Sand Devil Classic in Page, Ariz., as the Wolverines placed eighth overall with 129.5 points. Among the 28 teams at the tournament, Righetti High School from Santa Maria, Calif., took first with 216 points.
“This was by far the toughest tournament we have wrestled in yet,” Bayfield High School head coach Neil Barnes said. “There was a lot of good competition along with some extremely talented national ranked wrestlers.”
In all, Bayfield had five wrestlers place in the tournament. Ryan Nava took first in the 150-pound weight class, Cash Snooks took third in the 170 weight class, Sam Westbrook took third in the 285 weight class, Taylor Winch took fifth in the 145 weight class and Macoy Michaeli took sixth in the 182 weight class.
“Over all I feel we took a big step towards being prepared for the postseason,” said Barnes.
Bayfield was awarded the Class Act Award as a team as voted by the officials. This award represented the outstanding ethical behavior and integrity that Bayfield displayed on and off the mat.
Bobcats have tough go at Paonia
The Ignacio High School wrestling team saw some stiff competition in Paonia for its annual tournament as the Bobcats had only one wrestling champion.
Ethan Appenzeller went 4-0 and took first place in the 138-pound weight class. Stocker Robbins took third in the 113 weight class after going 4-1. Dalton Mickey took fifth in the 145 weight class and Lorenzo Peña took fifth in the 160 weight class.
“It was a tough tournament for the Bobcat grapplers,” Ignacio High School head coach Jordan Larsen said. “There were some hard fought battles and some tough wins. There were some great lessons and experience in prepping for the regional tournament and state tournament in three weeks.”
heraldsports@ durangoherald.com
