Winter: '19-20: The mat is where it's at
Wrestlers looking to crash the party at the Pepsi Center.
(Fifth in a series of winter previews for 2019-20).
About two dozen Mullen Mustang hopefuls graced the school’s wrestling mats in preseason, this time in the school’s Old Gym.
The switch from the Spirit Center was viewed as more advantageous and welcomed with open arms.
An even better change may come in late February, when the Pepsi Center hosts the Colorado tournament.
“This year, we should do a better job,” third-year head coach John Howes said. “We should have some kids on the podium.”
That would be on the podium at the Pepsi Center with Mustangs placing at individual weights.
Shut out from placers a season ago, the team’s core should be highlighted by senior John Sumner, and sophomores Max Gonzales, Noah Linares and Mark Troni. Sumner is rated No. 5 at 160 pounds by On The Mat; Troni is 10th at 132; and Linares No. 13 at 126. In addition, Patrick Graham, Cole Nading and a freshman or two will provide depth as well as additional opportunities.
In addition, sophomore Alina Antillon is coming off an historic season in which she became the school’s first female to win a weight class. Antillon was 20-1.
Howes said there will be regular girls meets and the two genders will compete side-by-side at the Northern Colorado Tournament to be held in Greeley on Dec 20.
Mustangs boys will open on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Golden Tournament.
As usual, the Mustangs will compete in the Class 5A Centennial League, shut down over the holidays and split the regular season with duals and invitationals. The regular season will end on Feb. 8.
They will try to qualify for the state meet through 3A Region 3 that will be hosted by Holy Family in Broomfield Feb. 14-15. The Colorado tournament will be Feb. 20-22 at the Pepsi Center.
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