Archive for Sunday, January 20, 2008

Hayden, Soroco wrestlers win medals

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— Small wrestling teams often have a tough time coming up with top finishes, particularly when they square off against some of the state's best teams.

Despite fielding relatively small teams, Hayden and Soroco escaped Saturday's Grand Valley High School-hosted Class 2A Western Slope League Tournament with individual medals.

Two apiece, to be exact.

Soroco junior Justin Iacovetto remained undefeated by racking up two wins and the 112-pound weight class crown. Fellow Ram Levi Gonzales took the 119-pound title by running off three wins. For Iacovetto, his jump from wrestling at 103 pounds his freshman and sophomore years to 112 this year is, needless to say, going rather smoothly.

"They're a little bigger and stronger," he said. "You don't go up against any really little guys anymore."

Hayden's Mitch Doolin went 3-0 in winning the 145-pound crown, capping the day with a 15-4 major decision against Paonia's Justin Smith. Teammate Coy Letlow dramatically won the 189-pound title, pinning Soroco's Dennis Morgan with a minute left in his title match.

Doolin conceded a full Saturday of wrestling took its toll on him.

"It was pretty tough," the junior said. "I was definitely gassed at the end. It's a big booster for me. The last time I wrestled Smith, I lost to him. Going into regionals it's a big confidence booster."

Doolin and the Tigers still have nearly a month until regionals, scheduled for Feb. 15 and 16 at Grand Junction High School.

Hayden got bronze finishes from Scott Armbruster (103 pounds) and Mitch VeDepo (130).

Going toe to toe with some of Class 2A's top teams, the Tigers placed fourth behind tourney champion Paonia, runner-up Grand Valley and third-place Rangely. Meeker finished fifth and Soroco sixth.

All three teams ahead of Hayden in the team standings are among the state's top five teams. Grand Valley entered the day ranked No. 1 by On the Mat, while Paonia held No. 3 and Rangely No. 5.

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