4A wrestling: Disappointment reigns for all but two from area

DENVER – The last look at the clock might be the most heartbreaking moment. Almost every wrestler losing on points does it late in the third period. Then reality starts to set in.

To qualify for the state wrestling tournament is an accomplishment. However, the further one goes, the tougher it is to lose. There was plenty of disappointment among area 4A wrestlers Friday. The only finalists were Falcon’s Richie Bailey at 135 pounds and Lewis-Palmer’s Dan Barringer at 152.

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Falcon’s Jose Cos, who was 37-1 after winning Thursday, was among those who lost in the quarterfinals.   

Phillip Rhodes of Mesa Ridge finished fifth at state last year. As a junior this year, he wanted to go further. He lost 5-0 to Mountain View’s Kohlman Scribner in a quarterfinal 171-pound match. Rhodes stayed prone, his forehead pressed to the mat, a couple of seconds after the referee’s final whistle signaled his chance at a state title was over.

“It’s real disappointing. It’s a heartbreaker,” Rhodes said. “A lot of people just want to make it to state. I’m the kind of guy that’s always been on top. It feels like I let myself down.”

While the finalists will be treated to a loud, large crowd at Pepsi Center tonight, the tournament moves on at a cold, fast rate for those who don’t make it that far. After Rhodes got up, he quickly shook hands with the opposing coaches, grabbed his gear and started to walk out of the auditorium. He hadn’t made it to the tunnel before an announcement throughout the arena declared Mat 3 was available for the next 4A match.

Rhodes walked slowly through the back halls of the Pepsi Center, past a couple of other wrestlers who sat quietly after their dreams had also been dashed. He got a quick hug and some more encouraging words from his coach before starting to think about his consolation quarterfinal match.

Widefield junior heavyweight Turrell Stanley didn’t wait to let his emotions show. After he lost 10-6 in the quarterfinals to Jack Kuck of Windsor, he slammed the mat a few times, then took off his headgear and spiked it. He slumped behind two folding chairs set up for coaches. He should have picked to go on top to start the third period, he lamented later. He trailed 4-3 after two periods but the match quickly slipped away in the final period. He spent a couple of inconsolable minutes sitting on the ground before finally leaving the floor.

On one hand, he admitted he was “amazed I’m here.” He lost both matches in regionals last year. But, there was also plenty of disappointment.

“It’s kind of both ways,” Stanley said.

Rhodes agreed. At some point making it this far in the state tournament will be a source of pride, but that was hard to appreciate Friday.

“It’s a negative for now, but in the future it’ll be a positive,” Rhodes said. “It’s something that will make me stronger.”