No real surprises in 5A as several area wrestlers advance

There were no real surprises Friday in the quarterfinals of the Class 5A state wrestling tournament at Pepsi Center.

Coronado (four), Pine Creek (three) and Fountain-Fort Carson (two) all advanced wrestlers to the semifinals.

Check out some more photos from 5A state wrestling

Juniors Carter McElhany (125 pounds, 31-1), Jared Rieck (145, 39-4) and Nick Burghardt (152, 41-2) are joined by freshman Adrian Cordova (112, 38-7) for the Cougars. Freshman Devan Cruz (103, 31-8) scored points for the Cougars with a pin of Air Academy freshman Hunter Milner (20-21) in the first round of the consolation bracket as well.

Junior Josh Martinez (112, 43-1), sophomore Jerry McGinty (125, 38-7) and freshman Geordan Martinez (103, 41-1) all moved up for the Eagles.

The young stars for the Eagles and Cougars were joined by another impressive sophomore from Fountain-Fort Carson – 171-pounder Josh Schoenberger. Schoenberger (28-5) beat Mountain Range senior Bryce Dunkelberger (33-15) to move on.

Schoenberger was later joined in the semis by his older brother, Joey (33-3), who rallied from a 5-0 deficit to score an 11-9 overtime win over Chatfield’s Aaron Norris (31-6).

The older Schoenberger, who was one win from placing at state last year, seemed more excited about his little brother’s success than his own win.

“It’s great that he’s been able to step it up and compete,” Josh Schoenberger said. “I’m really enjoying watching him this year.”

Sand Creek senior Josh Swinger (33-7) advanced to the semis with a 7-6 decision over Legacy's Mark Dubberly (22-8).