Wrestlers take state title

Despite falling to Natrona County High School in a close, second-place finish at regionals, the Green River High School's grapplers were able to dig deep and leave Casper as back-to-back state champions.

"Everyone really contributed to this championship," head coach Marshal Rhodes said. "Not only the state qualifiers, but all the boys that stuck it out."

Green River took first with 221 points, while Natrona's wrestlers were the runners up with 194.5 points.

Gillette took third with 183.5 points. Green River also has two state champions in Gage Byers and Justin Flores. Rhodes said he was impressed with both wrestlers.

"Gage was able to win his second state title as he had some trouble in the semis, but was able to dominate in the finals," Rhodes said. "Justin Flores has gotten so much tougher as the year has gone on and had to fight off his back in the finals to get the pin, he has become much better in three months."

Taking second at state were Cyro Montoya, Jordan Tucker and Gabe Bunderman.

Rhodes said Bunderman made it to Casper late Thursday and was able to weigh-in and compete Friday, winning three matches to make it to the finals.

Rhodes said he is also proud of Montoya as he served the team as a great leader and made it to the finals three years in a row.

Those placing third were Payton Tucker, Eric Clingenpeel and Kaycee Cochrane.

Rhodes said Payton Tucker and Clingenpeel both battled back from losses at the quarterfinals to take third place and complimented both Cochrane and Jordan Tucker's leadership and solid performances.

Kade Knezovich and Blake Waite finished fifth in their divisions while Tanner Adam and Justin Rubalcaba took sixth. Rhodes said the four worked hard and either did as well as or better than they have throughout the season, earning needed points for the Wolves.

Also competing were Cody Price, Seddon Sanders, Jacob Weipert, Russell Ferrell, Garrett Harris, Nick Froats and John Makie.

"I was very impressed with our toughness this weekend as a team. We had most of our wrestlers do what they should have, but a few really stepped up and helped earn the championship," Rhodes said.

Rhodes said despite losing great wrestlers to graduation or moving away and battling through sickness and injury, the team was able to overcome and keep the championship in Green River.

"I am proud to be their coach and am grateful for such a great community that is so supportive of wrestling," Rhodes said.