Lamp Post

The fate of state

Monday, February 27, 2012 By Carissa Kintzle

Holy Family wrestlers took first place at the League Championship meet on Sunday, Feb. 4. “Most of us placed,” said junior Joel Meyer. “We pretty much dominated.” Meyer said that the team’s performances have boosted their chances for state and increased their morale. “Getting first at league at League really boosted our confidence,” said Meyer. “When it comes to wrestling, it’s who wants it the most.” The following weekend on Feb. 10 and 11, the wrestling team took second place. Freshmen Vince Casados, Julian Prieto and Joseph Prieto placed second. Seniors Joey Pendleton, Kyle Spengler and Daniel Carvalho placed second as well, and junior Daniel Jansen took first place. Over President’s Day weekend, the State Wrestling Meet was held at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Joseph Prieto took sixth place, Julian Prieto took fourth place, and Spengler took fifth place. Overall the team finished in the top ten at State. “We had three state placers which is the most Holy Family had has at one time and we sent seven qualifiers total which is a pretty good turn out,” said Spengler. “Our greatest strength at State was probably our condition and will to win,” said Casados. “The coaches also pushed us a lot harder this year and that helped a lot when it came time for State,” said Spengler. “At State, the team wrestled a lot better than it has in the past,” said Spengler. “Nobody went two and out, everyone won at least one match.” “I did okay,” said Casados. “I won one and lost two.” “We even had some good upsets, like Joey Pendleton when he beat the number two seat Ari Disher, as well as the freshmen Prieto brothers coming in and placing in their first year of highs school,” said Spengler “I myself came out as a dark horse in the tournament and won matches I was supposed to lose,” said Spengler. “I went into the tournament ranked eleventh and took fith instead.” “We did pretty good in my opinion,” he said. “I think we all still have room to grow and improve before next time.” “I think this had been the most successful year the team has had both personally and logistically,” said Spengler. “We had three good wrestlers come in the freshmen class. We learned a lot from them and the coaches.” “For me personally I didn’t want to leave anything left on the mat, so I gave it my all every practice and every tournament,” said Spengler Casados also said, “I think this season will help next season a lot because all of our returning teammates will know what it takes to get to State.”