During last Saturday’s 16th annual Wolverine Classic at Bayfield High School, Stocker Robbins drew the top seed in the 120-pound weight class for the Ignacio High School wrestling team, and went on to slay the competition to win the weight class.
Robbins pinned his first opponent, Gavin Cox of Piedra Vista (N.M.), so fast that there was no evidence of it.
Photographers and wrestling fans alike have to be quick when Robbins is on the mat because in seconds the match could be over.
“I would say Stocker Robbins’ focus is very good,” Ignacio head coach Jordan Larsen said. “He has a lot of potential.”
Robbins followed up his opening match with another pin of Kobi Greenhaus of Piedra Vista in the second round.
In the third round, Robbins took down Bayfield’s Cody Speece. In fact, Robbins beat every wrestler in the 120-pound weight class including Center’s Fidel Villa twice. Robbins went 5-0 at the Wolverine Classic.
“I just worked on my feet and looked for the take-down and just kept looking for the pin,” said Robbins, son of Daniella Perez and Joshua Robbins.
Robbins’ goal is to win the Colorado High School Activities Association 2A Wrestling Tournament. Last season, Robbins competed in the 106-pound weight class, but fell to Jonathan Andreatta from John Mall in the Championship Match.
He finished the year with a 34-9 record, and moving up in weight class, Robbins hopes to finish stronger.
As a team, Ignacio finished 17th place in last season’s tournament with 45 points.
“I have a goal in mind and I’m just going to keep working to achieve it,” said Robbins. “Every week is another step.”
Robbins, 17, is originally from Bayfield and is naturally a tough guy who is looking for competition.
Robbins has been wrestling since the second grade so wrestling has always been apart of him. He also enjoys hunting and bull riding in his off-time, but said wrestling has taught him to have heart and dedication.
“It has taught me perseverance,” said Robbins. “It has taught me to achieve my goals.”
Robbins added that wrestling is a sport that challenges a competitor’s mental and emotional stability.
“It takes heart to even compete in this sport,” said Robbins. “After practice you have to drag yourself out of the room because you’re so tired. You have to keep coming back day in and day out.”
Robbins’ main goal is to get back to state and get on the podium for his junior season.
One aspect of school that Robbins takes pride in is his 3.9 grade point average.
He wants to go to college, but only being a junior, Robbins has yet to figure out where he wants to go. High school has taught him many things already, too.
“(High school) helps prepare for my future and how to work with other people in different situations,” said Robbins. “It helps you mature and steps you up.”
Between school, hunting and bull riding, Robbins has many interests.
One of those interests is pinning his opponents in wrestling, and when he’s done beating the guy in front of him, Robbins is already looking for the following opponent to beat.
“After I win by pin, I rest up and get ready for the next one,” said Robbins.
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
