Buckaroo wrestlers gain steam

by Anna Thayn

The Monticello Buckaroo wrestlers had a good week as they finished 5-4 at the Manti Duals Tournament over the weekend.  Earlier in the week, the Bucks faced the Grand County Red Devils in their first regular dual of the season. 

The Bucks gave up 24 points in forfeits to the Red Devils, and ended up losing the dual 45-34.  In head to head matches, the Bucks defeated the Devils 34-21.

Thirteen teams participated in the Manti Tournament and the Bucks did well, despite having two open weights.  The Bucks finished with wins over North Sanpete, Gunnison, Manti, the Independent team, and a near perfect match against Paguitch. 

The Bucks were defeated by Altamont, and Juab, and had very close matches with Freemont and Springville, losing to each by only three points. 

Leading the way for the Buckaroos this week were CJ Cordasco, Adam Martinez, and MJ Wagstaff, who were all undefeated champions at the tournament with 9-0 records.   

Cordasco started with a strong 15-3 win, and then continued to dominate, earning five wins by fall in the first period.

Martinez left his mark on the 145 pound weight class, putting up six wins by fall and two by technical fall.

Wagstaff had a nearly perfect weekend, allowing only 10 points to be scored against him the entire weekend, with six coming in his 15-6 win over Altamont.  Wagstaff was never taken down by an opponent and earned seven first period falls to add to a technical fall win.   

Finishing at 8-1 was David Boyle, who continues to have a fantastic season, adding four wins by technical fall to bring his season total to seven, already knocking on the door of the MHS record which is set at 10.  

The next set of Buckaroo finishers were Skyler Hall, 6-3 and Ricky Wilcox and Tazz Robinson, who each finished at 5-3. All three wrestlers dominated in their wins, earning them all by fall.

Other varsity Buckaroos in the tournament earning wins are Tim Ryan with two falls, John Mayne and Nephi Barlow each with a fall, and Kellan Brewer with an exciting 10-9 win.  Also wrestling for MHS were Bobby Cook and Tel Walker.

At their first regular dual against Moab, the Buckaroos had dominating first period falls by Adam Martinez and MJ Wagstaff, who both secured wins in under a minute.  

Also winning by fall on the night were David Boyle, CJ Cordasco and Tazz Robinson. Ricky Wilcox came up big with a dominating 14-0 win. Brian Robinson, Bobby Cook, Tim Ryan and John Mayne worked hard, but despite their efforts were defeated by their opponents.

On December 22, after the press deadline, the Bucks hosted the San Juan Broncos in their first home dual of the season.

A full report of the match will be in the San Juan Record next week. The Buckaroos are now off for the holiday break and will be back in action on January 9, when they travel to the Pagosa Springs Tournament.