The irony is not lost on Wesley VanMatre when he climbs atop the medal stand.
On Saturday night, the John Mall High School wrestler turned into a four-time state winner. As a kid, VanMatre was a reluctant grappler.
“It seemed like I hated it ” VanMatre mentioned of wrestling. “I only stuck by it, kept working, and that I am. ”
VanMatre received a storybook ending to his high school wrestling career that was illustrious Saturday night, which began decades ago in Northern Walsenburg, and wrapped up inside the Pepsi Center. He met Lyons’ David Gardner in the Class 2A 145-pound final with VanMatre’s arm raised in triumph after a 10-3 decision.
However, was there really ever a doubt?
Not for John Mall coach Josh Vialpando. He witnessed all VanMatre’s championships, each more impressive than the last, and what strikes Vialpando many is VanMatre’s attitude about the feat. Vialpando stated: “He rsquo & doesn;t even discuss that stuff. He’s not that type of character. ”
So, VanMatre will let his state championship trophies do the all a few of them.
“I had been looking to come out here this weekend and then give it all I have,” VanMatre said. “Leave it all over the mat. ”
His wrestling trip began at age , and as VanMatre said the love wasn’t instant. Winning four state titles t seem possible when ascending through the ranks.
“He conquered a harm, a broken wrist, even as a freshman,” Vialpando stated. “He finished up having 12 matches under his belt. We knew he had the potential but with not a great deal of experience. That’s just what made the ball rolling. ”
VanMatre never set out to be defined by his wrestling, regardless of dominance which began in eighth grade (that a 30-match winning series ). A broader selection of VanMatre’s athletic prowess can be located on the soccer field, where he rushed for touchdowns and over 1,700 metres .
“I think I’m the most athletic child in this tournament — all classes,” VanMatre said. “It’s something God gave meI guess. ”
Associated Articles
PHOTOS: 2020 CHSAA State Wrestling championship in Denver
Cherokee Trail wrestling affirms location among Class 5A elite with two state champions, top-five team complete
Ryan Dirksen’s turnaround sparks comeback as Eaton Reds claim share of 3A name
Windsor’s Dominick Serrano and Isaiah Salazar become initial teammates to four-peat in same year
Keeler: Why Pomona wrestling dynasty is now “greater than Valor football”
If it comes to wrestling VanMatre’s motivation for success. It speaks to a nature his trainer has seen on countless occasions, like when VanMatre regularly given his time to assist the JV team. VanMatre’s motivation to oppose those past few seasons is particularly personal.
“I dedicated these last two titles to my grandparents,” VanMatre said. “They passed away my sophomore year, and since I was small, they were at each tournament I was to. I do it . ”
That emotion was clear Saturday night after VanMarte after he maintained that a fourth state championship. He’s currently undecided about a school wrestling spot, but then again, Pepsi Center has ever felt like home.
“The toughest part is that some days you’re feeling like wrestling, and on some types, you don’t shirts,” VanMatre said. “It’s challenging to stick into it. But when you think about this place, it’s worth it. That&rsquo. ”
Article Source and Credit feeds.denverpost.com //feeds.denverpost.com/~r/dp-sports/~3/-5vBqqaBhH0/ Buy Tickets for every event – Sports, Concerts, Festivals and more buytickets.com