Last weekend, the Coronado Wrestling team took seven qualifiers to the Colorado 5A State Championship Tournament, and fought their way to an impressive sixth place finish in 5A – Colorado’s largest division. The team scored 78.5 points, only half a point less than the fifth place team, Castle View. “They did a great job. They battled hard, every match they went after it,” said assistant coach Mr. Burak of the team.

Stephen Dabelko, 12, placed second in his weight division, as did KJ Kearns, 10, who was able to score and win his match in the semifinals with two seconds to go. Jimmy Weaver, 12, wrestled Jayden Woodruff of Ponderosa for first place, and came out victorious, earning himself a state title. It was a close match and after an outstanding effort by Weaver, the final score was 2-1.

Jimmy, who was unable to compete last year at state due to a concussion, said, “I’ve made it to state all four years and it didn’t go my way and this year it all worked out so I’m relieved and just excited” said Weaver of his success.This year, the 43-9 senior had no such obstruction, and rose to the top of 5A after a victory filled season. Weaver, who has signed to wrestle at the Air Force Academy, is heiled for his outstanding character by coaches, teammates, and peers alike, Weaver will be missed by the entirety of the Coronado community. Fellow senior Burke Babeu said about Weaver, “[He] has the heart of a champion and is very determined. Ever since I first knew Jimmy, I could see how driven he was towards success in his wrestling career. His positive attitude and strength of character led him to where he is today.”

The first individual state champion at Coronado in wrestling in five years, Weaver follows in the footsteps of Coronado’s spectacular wrestlers who eventually became gold medalists in the Olympics: Kyle Snyder and Henry Cejudo. Weaver will continue to be a force to be reckoned with as he continues his wrestling career in college, and will be greatly missed as he moves on from Coronado.

The Cougars finished the season with 16-4 overall dual record and a 5-1 5A Colorado Springs Metro League dual record. Overall, the Cougar wrestlers had an outstanding season, further solidifying Coronado’s reputation as one of the most successful wrestling programs in the state. Congrats to all the Cougars on a great season!