Three Mingus Union High School wrestlers claimed a Section I [Division III] title in Winslow on Saturday, Feb. 4, with six others finishing in the top five.
“We had nine guys place in the top five, and all nine will be at the state tournament this week fighting for a title,” Mingus Head Coach Klint McKean said.
Mingus took third overall in the Section I tournament behind Coconino High School, which finished first, and Blue Ridge High School, which was second.
Senior Justin Zaske claimed an individual Section I title in the 160-pound weight class, going 43-6 overall this season and beating out Blue Ridge product Caleb Brady in the medal match Saturday.
Junior Hank Goettl won the 132-pound weight class, beating out Page High School wrestler Kemp Todacheene. Goettl is 30-4 this season.
Senior Dillon Lightfoot finished first overall in his weight class, winning a gold medal at 145 pounds by beating out Mica Barker, who is from Coconino.
Others finishing in the top five for Mingus include senior Pal Scott, who was second at 106 pounds, while senior Brandon Morales was third in the 170-pound weight division.
Senior Brian Kaehler took second at 195 pounds, juniors Chase Reams [138 pounds], John Hockman [220 pounds] and freshman Wyatt Midkiff [182 pounds] were fourth.
The Division III State Championships are scheduled to begin Thursday, Feb. 9, at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The medal matches for each weight class are set to begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.
