Chafino state runner-up at 170 lbs.

Senior Luis Chafino is a champion to his Holyoke fans with runner-up honors in the 170-lb. 2A state wrestling tournament held Feb. 20-22 at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

With a mere six seconds remaining in regulation time of the state championship, Chafino’s 1-1 tied match gave way to a 3-1 defeat when opponent Adam Schulz, a junior from Crowley County, earned a two-point takedown and the match win.

Heading into the championship, Chafino knew that Schulz (the No. 1 seed who was undefeated all season) was good. He was hoping that his own quickness would power him to a win.

It was a scoreless match after one period. Chafino chose the down position to start the second. Quickly escaping, he held a 1-0 lead. But Schulz chose down to start the third period, and his quick escape tied the match at 1-all.

And there it remained until seconds before the buzzer. “I was hoping to take it into overtime,” said Chafino. But Schulz was able to double leg him and take him down to earn the crucial two-point takedown for the 3-1 win.

It was very emotional, but great to be part of, noted coach Dusty McConnell.

The dignity and grandeur of the Parade of Champions and being part of the final event of the Big Show is something Chafino said he’ll never forget. “It was super memorable, super awesome to be able to do.”

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