State wrestling finals part 1

It was an exciting end to the state wrestling finals.

Sophomore Brady Hankin of Woodland Park won his second-straight title (3A, 120lb) with a win by decision over La Junta's Isaiah Gamez. Gamez was seeking his third-straight title.

"It's pretty cool," Hankin said. "It's something I've been wanting since I was a little kid. When brother was in high school, he won his sophomore year. I just worked hard to get it."

Rye junior Michael Atencio (2A, 120lb) won his second straight state crown with a first period pin of Rocky Ford's Michael Maldanado.

"It definitely feels just as good as the first one," Atencio said. "I'm just excited. My family is in the crowd cheering me on, and that just makes it a little bit better."

Coronado senior Angel Flores (4A, 126lb) capped a dominant state tournament run with a win by major decision. The senior claims his first state crown.

"It means so much to me," Flores said. "Just everything I've been working for. It was a long and hard fall season. I dropped two weight classes. You know it was tough, but I'm glad to be where I'm at. I couldn't thank my coaches or my teammates more than enough. "