In terms of wins and losses, the opening round of the Class 2A state wrestling tournament at the Pepsi Center in Denver on Feb. 19 was unkind to the Dolores High School wrestling team as all three of its wrestlers lost.
Ward upset in first round
Among the Bears who came upon tough times was 106-pound sophomore Brandon Ward (27-12), who dropped a 7-5 decision to Holyoke High School's Eric Rojo (27-5).
Key in Ward's loss were takedowns by Rojo in the early stages of the match.
"Brandon just wasn't ready," said Dolores head coach Leo Garand. "Championship wrestling is won and lost in takedowns and he gave up early takedowns."
With the loss, Ward moves into the consolation bracket and will face Rye High School's Colton Sims (12-19) in the morning on Feb. 20.
Wallace downed in opening round
Competing in his first ever state tournament, Bears 145-pound senior Guy Wallace (32-14) lost a 10-4 decision to Lyon's High School's Kanyon Raper (15-8).
"Guy got caught in a crucifix and spent a minute and a half on his back," said Garand. "Spending a minute and a half there is painful."
Wallace will face McClave High School's Dayton Garcia (9-16) on the morning of Feb. 20.
Hackney falls in opening match
After unexpectedly qualifying for the state tournament, Dolores High School freshman Austin Hackney (12-15) faced off against Peyton High School's Jack Kelly (26-7) and lost, 20-5.
Despite the lopsided result however, Garand had nothing but good things to say about his young freshman.
"Austin went out and wrestled really well against the No. 3 seed in the state," said Garand. "He was in it until the very end. You've got to love that out of a first year wrestler."
With the loss, Hackney enters the consolation bracket where he will face Burlington High School's Logan Durham (28-8) on the morning of Feb. 20.
