Categories: School News

Cañon City High School Wrestling Teams Prepare for State

Cañon City high school wrestlers team training for the state finals.

News Summary

Cañon City High School’s wrestling teams are gearing up for the 2024 CHSAA State Wrestling Championship at Ball Arena in Denver. Key performers at the regional tournament include Macy Paschall, who secured second place, and Abby Wold, the regional champion. With a competitive season under their belt, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are ready to showcase their skills on the state stage, highlighting exceptional talent and teamwork, including contributions from Florence High School’s wrestlers.

Cañon City High School Wrestling Teams Gear Up for State Championships

As the excitement builds in Cañon City, the local high school wrestling teams are gearing up for the 2024 CHSAA State Wrestling Championship. Scheduled to kick off on Thursday at the Ball Arena in Denver, both the boys’ and girls’ teams have good reasons to be optimistic heading into this highly anticipated event.

Regional Tournament Highlights

This past weekend, the wrestlers showcased their skills at the regional tournament, and it was a successful outing for many. Among the standout performers, Macy Paschall made waves by securing second place in the 145 weight class for the girls’ division. What makes her achievement even more impressive is that she is a first-year wrestler with no prior experience in the sport!

Another highlight from the tournament was Abby Wold, who crowned herself the regional champion in the 190 weight class. Wold’s performance has marked her as one of the top contenders to watch at the state competition. Kate Doughty, a CCHS sophomore, also stood out in the 130 weight class by placing second, showcasing the depth of talent in the Cañon City squad.

A Competitive Season for CCHS

Cañon City High School has had a competitive wrestling season overall, qualifying eleven wrestlers for the state championship. The boys’ team has consistently ranked in the top five at nearly every tournament, finishing the season strong with a remarkable 14-1 record in dual meets. They even clinched the top position in the Southern Colorado Springs Metro League. At the recent regional tournament, the boys’ team finished in third place at Roosevelt High School.

On the girls’ side, the CCHS team also made a name for itself by placing seventh in their division during the Fort Lupton High School regional tournament. Throughout the season, the girls’ wrestlers frequently made it to the final rounds of their meets, proving their skill and dedication.

Who to Watch at State

Among the remarkable talents on the boys’ team, keep an eye on first-ranked Eli Koonce, along with second-ranked Jack Doughty and rising star Tyler Carochi. These wrestlers have shown exemplary skills and are expected to make further strides at the state level. Meanwhile, on the girls’ side, Abby Wold is a regional champion to keep in mind as she moves forward.

Head coach Jeremy Gilkerson highlighted how teamwork and mutual respect between the boys’ and girls’ teams have been essential throughout the season. This cooperative spirit has undoubtedly played a part in their successful campaigns.

Florence High School’s Contributions

Florence Junior Senior High School has also made its wrestling presence known by qualifying three male wrestlers for the state tournament. Coach Bob Massey noted improvements among the young wrestlers all season long. Similarly, three FJSHS wrestlers earned the title of league champions this year, adding to the excitement as these schools head to state.

What’s New This Year?

For wrestling fans, the tournament will see some changes this year. The traditional venue for the state wrestling individual championships has shifted from the Anderson Civic Center to the Florence Center to accommodate more participants and spectators. Plus, the number of qualifiers per weight class has expanded from eight to sixteen, allowing more athletes to showcase their talent on the big stage.

As the countdown to the state championships continues, the spirit of friendly competition fills the air in Cañon City. With promising athletes, enthusiastic supporters, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, both CCHS and FJSHS are ready to hit the mats and make their mark at the state level.