Class 2A State Wrestling Championships Review by Tyler Buhr

Class 2A State Wrestling Championships Review

By Tyler Buhr

The 2A field delivered one of the most chaotic, wide‑open tournaments in recent memory, and Highland emerged from the storm with a championship built on power, poise, and perfectly timed performances. The Huskies didn’t dominate every round, but when the lights were brightest, their stars delivered. Titles from Carter Jensen (132), Tyler Varra (144), and Wyatt Chase (190) formed the backbone of Highland’s run, and the supporting cast added just enough depth to hold off a furious charge from North Fork.

North Fork wrestled like a team determined to take the trophy home. Their lineup produced big moments all weekend, highlighted by Braeden Flores’ commanding title at 157 and podium finishes from Tallin Hall (106), Bronson Hall (126), Derick Sievertson (144), and Braden Laiminger (190). For stretches of the tournament, the Miners looked like the most complete team in the building. But Highland’s upper‑weight firepower and bonus‑point production proved to be the difference, leaving North Fork just 5.5 points short in one of the tightest 2A races in years.

Behind the top two, the battle for third was a full‑scale brawl. Burlington and Rocky Ford finished deadlocked at 94.5, each riding a blend of finalists and gritty consolations. Burlington’s title from undefeated senior Anthony Estrada (215) and a runner‑up finish from Jason Saucedo (165) kept them in the hunt, while Rocky Ford countered with Emilio Vallejos’ finals run at 106 and Omar Ocana’s heavyweight championship. Buena Vista wasn’t far behind, finishing just one point back thanks to a breakout tournament that included three top‑four placers and a finals appearance from Carter Stromer at 215.

Cedaredge, Dayspring Christian Academy, Sedgwick County/Fleming, and Wray rounded out a deep and competitive top ten. Cedaredge’s lineup produced placers at 113, 120, 126, 144, and 285, while Dayspring rode a title from Joseph Noce (175) and a runner‑up finish from Elijah Martin (150). Sedgwick County/Fleming showcased elite lower‑weight talent with champions and finalists at 120 and 157, and Wray added another chapter to its tradition of toughness with Austin Collins’ dominant title at 150 and Ben Riggleman’s podium finish at 190.

Article Sponsored by: Velasquez Foundations & Flatwork. They Specializes in foundations, flatwork, concrete, overlay concrete, epoxy, stem walls, drywall, framing, roofing, repairing & more. Call today for a free estimate 719-588-1216!

The tournament’s individual performances were as compelling as the team race. Monte Vista’s Mathieu Dean opened finals night with a statement win at 106, while Ignacio’s Lincoln DeKay delivered one of the most impressive finals of the tournament with a 17‑0 technical fall at 165. Colorado Springs Christian’s Forrest Craddock controlled the 138 bracket wire‑to‑wire, and West Grand’s Blake Terryberry electrified the crowd with a third‑place pin at heavyweight. Across the board, the 2A field showcased a blend of rising freshmen, seasoned seniors, and breakout stars who reshaped the bracket with every round.

What made this tournament unforgettable wasn’t just the tight team race or the star‑powered finals, it was the sheer depth of competition. Twenty‑five teams scored 32 points or more, and nearly every weight class featured multiple state‑caliber matchups before the semifinals.

Top 25 Team Scores

Place	Team	Score
1	Highland	111.0
2	North Fork	105.5
3	Burlington	94.5
3	Rocky Ford	94.5
5	Buena Vista	93.0
6	Cedaredge	88.0
7	Dayspring Christian Academy	74.0
8	Sedgwick County/Fleming	72.0
9	Wray	71.0
10	Ignacio	67.5
11	West Grand	67.0
12	Las Animas	62.0
13	Meeker	56.5
14	Akron	51.5
15	Crowley County	51.0
15	Olathe	51.0
17	Limon	45.0
18	Trinidad	43.5
19	Fowler	43.0
20	Norwood	41.0
21	Hayden	37.0
22	Yuma	36.0
23	Monte Vista	35.5
24	Colorado Springs Christian	33.5
25	Springfield	32.0