In the history of Arizona high school wrestling, there is no program more prestigious than Tucson Sunnyside.
After two straight state championship seasons — the most recent of which they tied the state record for pins — Camp Verde High School’s wrestlers discovered that firsthand at their own Verde Duals tournament Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6.
Although they would handle their other six opponents by at least 15 points, the Cowboys were reversed in their dual with the Blue Devils, losing by 21 to finish second in their home tournament to Sunnyside — winners or runners-up in 35 out of the last 36 state championships.
“The team performed in great fashion by placing second in this tournament,” said Tracey Tudor, CVHS head wrestling coach. “When you consider 10 of the 16 teams are from bigger schools and Sunnyside’s legendary program, the Cowboys represented very well.”
Senior three-time defending Division IV champion Ryan Allred won all nine of his matches at 152 pounds on his way to being named Outstanding Wrestler of Verde Duals. Sophomore Hayden Uhler regained his starting varsity spot in the Cowboys’ stacked 113-pound weight class in time to duplicate Allred’s record.
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Dec. 10, issue of the Camp Verde Journal.
