The Mingus Union High School wrestling team traveled to Reno, Nev., this past weekend to participate in the Reno Tournament of Champions.
It is one of the largest high school wrestling tournaments in the country every year, which is why first-year Mingus Head Coach Klint Mckean said his team makes the trip.
“For a lot of the kids this was the biggest tournament they’ve ever been to,” Mckean said. “The 13-hour drive is tough, but it was a good trip that brought the team together.”
The Marauders finished 26th overall in the team standings Saturday, Dec. 18. With over 80 high school teams in attendance, finishing 26th isn’t half bad, according to Mckean.
The last time Mingus finished 26th or better in Reno was 2009. In 2009, Mingus went on to claim a 4A-II conference state championship.
At 152 pounds, Mingus standout Logan Addis reached All-American status, going 5-1 overall during the two-day tournament, losing only in the championship bout.
In the 215-pound weight class, Matt Chavez finished fifth overall with his 6-2 record.
Other standouts included 125-pound Hank Goettl who finished 3-2 overall while 140-pound Dillon Lightfoot was also 3-2.
Others earning victories over the weekend included 119-pound Cody Heflin, 130-pound Dylan Wilber, 160-pound Justin Zaske and heavyweight Bobby Carrancho.
Next up for the Marauders is the Dave Work Memorial tournament in Cottonwood which is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Dec. 29.
First bout at the Dave Work Memorial tournament is scheduled for 8 a.m.
The Dave Work Memorial is the last wrestling tournament of 2010 for Mingus, which will open 2011 at the Yavapai County Multiple meet at Wickenburg High School on Wednesday, Jan. 5.
Brian Bergner Jr. can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 131, or e-mail bbergner@larsonnewspapers.com
