Star Wars fans know it's not wise to upset a Wookiee.
Wrestling fans know it's similarly a bad idea to irk a Wolverine.
Three opponents learned that hard lesson at last Saturday's Butch Melton Invitational in Ignacio.
6A Piedra Vista's Cole Garcia of Farmington made the mistake of forcefully palming Bayfield junior Garrett Beebe's face, nearly resulting in an outright fight between the two if not for quick action by the referee. Composed somewhat but still internally incensed, Beebe channeled his frustration into his offense and ultimately dominated the Panther JV entrant 11-2, en route to a second-place finish at 126 pounds. He received a medal specially presented him by graduated older brother Tyler, who wrestled for both BHS and IHS.
Late in the long day Saturday, senior Macoy Michaeli was on the verge of defeat, having been caught in a cradle by 2A Cedaredge's Brandon O'Hern in the 170-pound division's finale. But while also ignoring an ailing right elbow, he was able to kick out and roll over the Bruin-a rapid reversal which yielded a first-period pin in only 1:17.
Finally, 2A Mancos' Casey Orange became the latest to learn that what Sam Westbrook gives, Sam Westbrook can swiftly take away. Locked up with the big BHS senior in the heavyweight division's closing stage, Orange managed a surprise takedown and 2-0 lead.
Refocused, Westbrook, third amongst 3A heavies in On The Mat's Jan. 27 rankings, refused to let the match drag on into a second period and pinned the Blue Jay in an elapsed 1:33.
Put together, the three Wolverines finished the meet a combined 14-1. Beebe's loss to 5A Aztec standout Cody Candelaria (the Melton's Lower Weight Outstanding Wrestler) was the only loss, and the finishes powered Bayfield to a strong third-place finish inside IHS Gymnasium. Bayfield's 129 points were only two behind runner-up Aztec.
Five-for-five on the day, senior 145-pounder Ryan Nava was BHS' other Melton monarch thanks to a 6-2 win (assured by a three-point near fall with 15.1 seconds left in the third period) over Ignacio's Ethan Appenzeller.
Joining the Wolverines and Aztec in boasting three champions, Cedaredge piled up a winning 164.5 points.
Bayfield junior Jake Sandrey's solid season continued with a 13-2, third-place domination of 1A Monticello's Kayden Draper at 132 pounds, allowing Sandrey to exit the tournament with a 4-1 mark. At the same weight, Wolverine Clay Sandburg went 1-3. Sophomore Daniel Westbrook also scored third-place points for the Wolverines with his 1-2 mark at 195.
Senior Cody Speece went 2-3 at 120 and placed fourth, while freshman Jason Schneider went 2-3 at 152 and took fifth. Freshman Shane Moore went 0-3 at 160, but freshman Paydon Williamson went 2-2 at 170. Fellow frosh John Foutz finished 1-4 at 182 and placed sixth, and sophomore Colby Baker went 1-2 at 106.
Next up, the Wolverines finish up their regular season with an Intermountain League dual on Thursday at Pagosa Springs.
