State Wrestling Championships

Right from the jump we saw fireworks, at 113 pounds, Brendon Garcia wins his fourth state title to forever etch his name in the history books, “Amazing. I’ve been dreaming about that moment since I saw Hunter Willits get his 4, I just wanted to be in that exact same spot,” says Garcia.

Also at 113 pounds, Rye’ Michael Atencio finished his unbeaten season with a state title. At 106 pounds Woodland Park freshman Brady Hankin started his trek toward four titles with a win, “My brother’s done it before so you know I always looked up to him doing this stuff so it was great for me to finally get it,” says Hankin.

Isaiah Gamez of La Junta fought off Ethan Andrade of Lamar to defend his state crown at 120 pounds, “It was sweet you know having to get the first one, but after getting the second one and having to defend it, it’s way harder than going for it,” says Gamez.

Discovery Canyon’s Patrick Allis won his second state title at 126 pounds, then gave a somber tribute to his fallen teammate, Kaden Currier. “I saw my coach lay out the shirt with him facing up looking at me. And it just hit me, man I have to do this for him. He’s watching me up there I’ve got to win this for him,” says Allis.

Finally, Aaden Valdez of Pueblo East fought like a champion but lost in the title match for a second year in a row.