Red Demon wrestling qualifies nine for state

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The Dodge City High School wrestling team qualified nine individuals for the class 6A state tournament after Friday and Saturday’s regional tournament at the Garden City regional. The Demons finished in sixth place as a team out of 18 teams.

Dodge City had four wrestlers compete in their respective weight class championships on Saturday afternoon.

Freshman Damian Mendez (37-7) lost in the 106-pound title match against a familiar face, sophomore Bishop Murray (Washburn Rural) in overtime, 7-5 after Murray got a two-point takedown to win the match. This was the third time that these two have met in a championship match this season, once at Bishop Carroll, the Newton TOC and now in Garden City. It’s very likely that the two could meet again next weekend for a state title.

Senior Couy Weil (33-11) lost his 120-pound championship match to Diago Hernandez (Garden City) by a 6-4 decision. Weil was down 5-1 in the third period and made a comeback, but it was too late for him to get the win.

Junior Garrett Edwards (35-10) lost his 138-pound title match to Josh Janas (Garden City) by a 8-4 decision. Edwards pulled within 6-4 early in the third period, but a two-point takedown from Janas created the separation needed.

Senior Evan Darville (32-2) won the 285-pound title match over Refugio Chairez (Garden City) by a 7-3 decision to claim the regional championship. Darville led 2-0 after the first period thanks to a two-point takedown. He then would add an escape in the second period to lead 3-0 after two. Darville added two more takedowns in the final period, while Chairez added three escapes to claim all three of his points in the final period.

Sophomore, Danny Rojas (22-15) took fourth place at 126 pounds, while sophomore, Marcelino Otero (22-13) took fourth at 145 pounds. Junior, Jashon Taylor (34-13) took third place with a win at 160 pounds. Senior, Jullian Galindo (22-19) took eighth place at 182 pounds, while freshman, Armando Monreal (11-7) also finished in eighth and qualified for state at 195 pounds.

STATE BOUND RED DEMONS (Regional finish)

106-Damian Mendez (2nd)

120-Couy Weil (2nd)

126-Danny Rojas (4th)

138-Garrett Edwards (2nd)

145-Marcelino Otero (4th)

160-Jashon Taylor (3rd)

182-Julian Galindo (7th)

195-Armando Monreal (7th)

285-Evan Darville (1st)

STATE INFORMATION

Date(s): Friday & Saturday, Feb. 22-23