CHEYENNE – The Torrington High School Blazer boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams commenced the 2023-2024 winter season with a hectic schedule including three tournaments over three days.

The action opened with a dual against Cheyenne South on Thursday, December 7. Torrington snagged its first win for the season, overwhelming Cheyenne South, 54-15.

 “It’s always great to kick off the season with a victory,” head coach Cody Grant said.

Athletes who won their matches against Cheyenne South included Tyler Nicolay at 120 pounds, senior Reece Grubbs (132), Barrett Eichenberger (138), Ty Albaugh (145), Jaeden Ruiz (150), Kaden Romig (157), Brendan Woodard (165), Hunter Massie (175) and Bryce Hager (190).

Friday featured the annual Charlie Lake Duals hosted by Cheyenne East High School. Torrington competed in the Black Pool and placed seventh.

In the first match, the Blazers fell to Moorcroft, 48-22. Rallying for the next match, Torrington crushed Pine Bluffs, 66-9. The Blazers came up short against both Laramie, 45-26, and Douglas, 43-33.

In the final match, the Blazers defeated Ogallala, Neb., 54-12, to place seventh in the Black Pool.

“On Friday, the open weights in the duals hurt us, but our team wrestled competitively in each match,” Grant said.

Three Blazer grapplers posted undefeated records during the duals – Hager, Nicolay and Amon Napier (106 pounds). Gatlin Davis went 4-1 at 132 pounds, with Eichenberger, Colby Sandusky (150 pounds) and Woodard going 3-2.

The Blazers rounded the weekend out at the Charlie Lake Tournament on Saturday. The Lady Blazers fielded two athletes – Aubree Fahrmeyer and Iree Hershey – and placed 16th. The boys’ team secured 20th place at 23 points.

“The (Charlie Lake Tournament) is one of the toughest meets we compete at during the season,” coach Grant said. “The team wrestled hard and tough on Saturday. We definitely know what we need to work on, and Saturday was a good gauge for us as we get going into the season.”