DENVER – Able to score a takedown at the end of the second period and get himself on the scoreboard after his consolation-semifinals opponent Pepper Rhyne had pressed ahead 4-0, Kobe Prior couldn’t quite escape the Moffat County Bulldog and suffered his second loss at the 2022 CHSAA State Wrestling Championships, 7-2, on Saturday.
With three wins and two losses at 170 pounds for Class 3A Bayfield’s Prior, he still wasn’t double-eliminated. Which for the Wolverines, in danger of being denied a single placer, was beyond a blessing.
BHS’ last hope inside booming Ball Arena, Prior was back in action not even a full hour later with fifth place at stake.
Across from him inside Mat No. 9’s 10-foot inner circle stood Kersey Platte Valley sophomore Brody White, relegated to the consolation rounds by Rhyne – who was 25-1 before state started – in the quarterfinals, but assured of placing via a 4-2 sudden-victory win over Elizabeth senior Ryan Connelley in the consolation quarters, whom Prior also beat.
But there was no way Prior was leaving without maximizing his remaining opportunity. Working quickly, Prior won by pin in 1:15, placing fifth in the state and improving his senior-season record to 30-10 overall.
“I had a quick snap-down, then just went into a small throw-by – I think he was ready to be pinned,” said Prior, who evidently expected more resistance. “And fifth isn’t exactly the place I wanted to win but I’m thankful … to compete, and I’m thankful for my coaches and my parents for coming down to watch.”
“He’s been a special kid for the school, all the way around,” BHS head coach Todd McMenimen said. “He leads by example, whether it’s academics, or on the football field, in the wrestling room – one of the best leaders I’ve ever coached.”
Stopped one win short of placing at 132 pounds, senior James Mars (28-6) ousted Lamar senior Cade Wurst in the second round of consolation. Mars then lost in the quarters to Edgewater Jefferson’s Jose Campos, but pushed the Saint senior – who later finished sixth – the full six minutes before succumbing 9-6 and finishing 2-2 in Denver.
“James had an extremely tough draw right from the beginning; he’s a little disappointed where he finished,” said McMenimen. “But as a team, the last two weeks we’ve wrestled to our ability and above. We put some stuff together the last two weeks that I’m extremely proud of.”
Sophomore heavyweight Jordan Cundiff also survived to see Day 3, but also went out one win away from the podium. Having pinned second-round consolation opponent Terry Lindh of Manitou Springs in just 90 seconds, Cundiff (14-19) advanced to meet PV senior Lane Weimer in the quarterfinals but was pinned 45 seconds into the second period.
The 113-pound Keaton Pickering (24-12), another sophomore, was eliminated 6-2 by Sterling junior Aden Young – initially the weight’s No. 1 seed, who ultimately placed just sixth – in the second round of consolation.
“We brought four wrestlers up here, and three of the four made it to Saturday,” McMenimen said. “Everyone won matches; the two underclassmen, they’ve got a lot that they can build on going forward next year. Just to get here and have the opportunity to win a match when you’re an underclassman does a lot to set you up well the next couple years.”
“Work hard,” said Prior, advising all returning and future Wolverines. “And when you’re training, train the right way so you don’t build bad habits. That’s all you can do to try and come out on top of the podium.”
All told, Bayfield earned 32 points and placed 24th out of 47 scoring teams. Racking up 127.5, Eaton exited in first place with Gunnison (105), Jefferson (94.5), Denver Mullen (93.5) and Craig-based Moffat County (83.5) filling out the top five.
“Back here in the hallways … on a Saturday, they’re never easy; there’s a lot of disappointment back here,” McMenimen said. “A lot of celebration, but a lot of disappointment; there’s but one guy – in each classification – that’s going to finish where every one wanted to. Emotionally it’s a tough day – on the wrestlers, on the coaches, on the parents, on everybody – but we had a great group all year. I wouldn’t trade it.”
