Trejo, Chafino return to state mats

     Senior Jesus Trejo and junior Luis Chafino will mark return trips to the Big Show, the Colorado 2A State Wrestling Championships at the Pepsi Center in Denver Feb. 21-23.
     Trejo was regional runner-up in the 145-lb. bracket in the Region 3 tourney in Akron Feb. 15-16, and Chafino finished third in the 160-lb. division.
     Additional Dragon success from regionals included Michael Ramos’ fifth-place finish at 170 lbs. and Deacon Dittmer’s sixth place at 152.
     Coach Dusty McConnell is well-pleased with the Dragon wrestling year through regionals. He said he is proud that HHS placed four of the five wrestlers who competed in regionals and will send two to state. “I think we’ve had a really good year,” he added.
     McConnell said both Trejo and Chafino’s opening-round matches in the state tourney bracket are winnable, and he looks forward to the season finale in Denver this weekend.
     The coach added that the team sincerely appreciates the community support. He cited, in particular, the student support at regionals, including members of the girls and boys basketball teams, as well as the swim team.
     Once again, Wray dominated the 16-team regional tourney, winning with 283.5 points, qualifying wrestlers in 13 of the 14 weight divisions.
     Yuma followed with 158, Lyons 147, Burlington 121, Sedgwick County/Fleming 120, Akron 117, Fowler 106, Wiggins 65, Holyoke 50, Merino 42, Limon 35, Byers 24, Gilpin County 22.5, Clear Creek 7, Stratton 1 and Loveland Classical 0.

Statebound
     Jesus Trejo earned a berth in the state tourney brackets for a fourth-straight year. Previously, he competed at 113, 120 and 138 lbs. This year, at 145 lbs., with a 31-13 record, he will meet Sorocco sophomore Kody Logan (19-11) in the first round.
     Luis Chafino qualified for state at 145 lbs. last year, where he went 2-2 on the state mats. This year, he takes a 29-11 record into the 160-lb. bracket, where he will first face Center junior Mario Chavez (30-9).
     The 2A state tourney will open Thursday, Feb. 21, with matches from 2-4:45 p.m.
     Friday, Feb. 22, action: 9 a.m., championship quarterfinals, followed by first-round consolations; 5:30 p.m., second-round consolations; and 7 p.m., semifinals.
     Saturday action begins at 10 a.m., with parade of champions and finals at 6:30 p.m.

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