Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The 2010-11 wrestling season began with so much hope for Hayden High School.

The Tigers had a lofty top-three ranking and a roster that looked like it could compete with the best in the state.

What ensued were months of injury-riddled wrestlers missing valuable time on the mat.

But the season begins anew today, with Hayden healthier than it has been and eyeing the state wrestling tournament Feb. 17 to 19 in Denver.

“I expect us to do as good as possible,” Hayden coach Ty Camilletti said. “Realistically, we know we have some tough matches. There are a few weight classes we’re going to have to win some matches. But it’s wrestled on the mat and not on paper. We got to go beat some kids. Just because they have a better record doesn’t mean they’re going to win.”

Hayden, along with Soroco, begins the regional wrestling meet at 6 p.m. today in Palisade. The meet continues at 9 a.m. Saturday. The top four finishers in each weight class advance to state.

Although Hayden has had its share of injuries, it’s quite possible that a number of Tigers could move on to the state tournament.

Led by 215-pounder Trey­ben Letlow, who has won 65 straight matches, Hayden should be favored to get five or six wrestlers to state.

In addition to Letlow, T-Lane Mazzola (119 pounds), Chad Terry (130), Scott Armbruster (135) and Ryan Domson (171) have legitimate shots at qualifying.

Hayden also is expected to bring back 145-pound wrestler Gage Webb from injury.

Camilletti said Kaiden Deck­er at 103 pounds, Journey Vree­man at 125 pounds, Austin Cless at 140 pounds and Nick Deluca at 152 pounds would have to pick up a few upsets to advance.

“We want to get as many as we can,” Camilletti said. “We want to get to state, but you have to get through regionals first. We can make some noise at the state tournament. We have some kids that can go far.”