Makaylee Longoria
Sugar Beet staff writer
Hartman Arena, in Park City Kan. was taken over by wrestlers the past Friday Feb. 23 and Saturday Feb. 24 for the Class 6A State Tournament where the best of the best high school wrestlers compete.
The Buffs took eleven wrestlers to the state tournament to complete against the best in the state.
Jacob Holt, sophomore, finished his season 40-9 and finished second in the state tournament, said it will be a learning experience that he hopes to bring back with a passion for his junior season.
Holt came up just short of being a two-time state champion his sophomore year. “I think I just got too confident,” Holt said after he had taken down Koelzer just 13 seconds into the match.
After the two day tournament the wrestlers took home seven medals, won by Silas Pineda, third, 113; Diago Hernandez, fifth, 120; Jacob Holt, second, 126; Kaj Perez, fourth, 132; Trey Medina, fifth, 152; Alex Rodriguez, sixth, 170; Refugio Chairez, fifth, 285.
Alex Rodriguez, sophomore, said the experience of the state tournament was the best experience at any meet that he had ever been to. “I made so many memories at the tournament, ones that I won’t forget,” Rodriguez said. “When I knew I placed there was no better feeling in the world. I feel like I did great, I lost my last two matches just because they were better wrestlers than me.”
Trey Medina, freshman, grew up watching his brother and previous wrestlers go to state.
“I always loved going and watching them and thinking of how awesome they are because they were there,” Medina said. “I fell pretty good, I wish I could have done better but it is just a motive to get better for next year.”
Kaj Perez, senior, competed in his last wrestling tournament as a Buffalo.
“I feel that I did pretty good it was nice to place my last year,” Perez said. “It’s bittersweet being my last year as a Buff, but I’m ready for what comes next.”
Lappin, who was subbing in for head Coach Carlos Prieto, who was home sick from the tournament, said the tournament overall was a good team effort.
The Buffs placed fifth at the state tournament hosted in Park City. This was the last tournament for the Buffs 2017-2018 season.
Makaylee Longoria is trade and health academy sophomore. You may contact her at longoriam@student.gckschools.com.
Garden City High School 