DENVER - Facing Kobryn Mann, a senior representing Sedgwick County-Fleming, and hungry for his first finals appearance after placing third at both the 2017 and 2016 CHSAA Class 2A State Wrestling Championships, Ignacio 152-pounder Dustin Sanchez finally met his Mile High match.
After defeating Stratton's Dayne Hines 7-2 earlier on Day 2 in the weight's quarterfinals, the Bobcat junior's surprising bid to re-enter Pepsi Center the next night in the Parade of Champions was denied in the semis as Mann hoisted Sanchez in something of a fireman's carry, then lowered him for a pin just before the second period expired.
Sanchez may have been down, but he certainly wasn't done in Denver.
Guaranteed anywhere from third place to sixth, Sanchez went back to work on Day 3 and first met Wray's Cade Hillman in one consolation semifinal. Unfortunately, the Eagle junior pulled out a quick pin, prevailing 12 ticks into the second period and leaving IHS' last hope with a best possible finish of fifth.
Standing in his way was Hines, and the two again strove for six hard minutes with Hines (18-13) hanging on for a shaky 3-2 win. Including a 14-6 major-decision rout of Fowler senior Chantz Lange on Day 1, Sanchez finished his breakout 2017-18 season 24-16 overall and, most importantly, with some State hardware in hand.
All told, Ignacio recorded 10 team points and finished tied with Saguache Mountain Valley and Kremmling West Grand for 35th place (out of 51 squads scoring) in the standings.
Qualifying at 145 pounds, junior Skieler Grooms led 6-4 entering the third period but ultimately lost 11-9 to Swink junior Kaleb Fisher in the first round. He recovered to dominate Pueblo Dolores Huerta Prep freshman Xavier Mendoza 9-1 in consolation-bracket work before Fowler junior Dylan Palomino eliminated him 7-nil.
Grooms finished his first campaign in 'Cat colors with an 18-12 record.
