At each of the last three Colorado state wrestling tournaments, Dolores High School senior Guy Wallace watched from the stands and longed to compete.
After finishing fourth at the Regional tournament on Feb. 14, the 145-pound three-sport athlete known for his strength in the weigh room will finally get the chance.
"I've been going to the state tournament for three years now, but I've never wrestled," said Wallace. "When I qualified, I was just happy. It was a good feeling."
Wallace (32-13) will kick off his quest for a state championship in Denver on the afternoon of Feb. 19 when he faces off against Lyons High School's Kanyon Raper (14-8).
If the Bears senior wins, he will face off against either McClave High School's Dayton Garcia (9-15) or Holly High School's Ryan Nordyke (25-2) on the morning of Feb. 20.
The key to my success will be to focus on my match and not get overwhelmed by what's going on in the whole big arena," said Wallace.
Off the mat
Favorite music: Country
Favorite movie: The Shooter
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Favorite Team: Huston Texans
Favorite Athlete: JJ Watt
Dream Job: Test driver
Historic dining partner: Jerry Miculek
Superstition: Hits the mat twice after putting on ankle wrap
