Warriors close out season with third-place finish at state

WORLAND - Ending on a terrific note, the Worland Warriors finished the 2021 wrestling season with two state champions, three All-State selections, eight placers and a third-place finish as a team at the 3A State tournament in Casper on Feb. 26.

The Warriors had three wrestlers battle for state championships - 160-pound senior Luke Goncalves finished his career with a third straight state title, 195-pound senior Lane McBee ended his dominant season at the top of the podium and 220-pound junior Christian Peterson finished second, earning him All-State honors.

For a wrestler to earn All-State, they have to place in the top two of their weight class.

"I was super excited with where those three boys ended up," said WHS wrestling coach Josh Garcia. "Anytime you can have three kids in the finals, that's pretty exciting. I was over the top, especially for Christian Peterson. He's come such a long way. Luke and Lane were spot-on during most weeks, not that Christian's not, but he made some big strides this season and ended up in the finals. I really enjoyed coaching all three this season."

Garcia continued, speaking about each of his All-State wrestlers, "Luke won his third straight title, and for me, that was a first. I was really excited and happy for him. It says a lot about the program as well to have a three-time champion.

"Lane McBee was just a beast at the state tournament. He pinned all of his guys in the first period. Having that type of grit, determination, and that attitude fires me up. I knew that kid [Torrington's Rhiley Grubb] would be tough going into the finals. When he tried to tie up with Lane, I was a little on edge, but Lane got the upper hand in that throw position. I knew that kid was going to go for a ride.

"Christian really beat himself up after that match, but my takeaway from that was to remind him of the tournament he had. He's worked hard at it and has come a long way."

Goncalves picked up his third consecutive 160-pound 3A State title, pinning Cody's Jackson Wood in the finals' first period.

"It is just making it to the end of the season and getting all the way there," said Goncalves.

In the semifinals, Goncalves faced his toughest match of the tournament against Pinedale's Bigelow. The Pinedale senior pushed Goncalves, something that Goncalves was appreciative of as he went on to win by a 6-2 decision.

"I didn't mind it at all. I was quite happy to wrestle him there than during the championship, he's a tough kid," said Goncalves.

McBee has been one of the more dominant wrestlers in 3A this season, and his state tournament run left no doubt. The senior scored 30 points for the Warriors, pinning all of his competition and doing so in the first period, including Torrington's Rhiley Grubb in the finals.

From the start of the season, McBee knew only good things were going to happen.

"It's pretty relaxing being done because it was a lot of hard work," said McBee after winning the 195 title. "We had a good team with good energy going and everyone wanting to be there."

The Star Valley Braves won their sixth straight 3A state title with 228 points; Douglas finished second with 202.3 points, and the Warriors were third with 165.5 points.

Worland had five other placers outside of Goncalves, McBee and Peterson - 113-pound Kobe Swain finished sixth; 120-pound Ross Goncalves finished fourth; 132-pound Kein Anderson was sixth; 182-pound Ralph Moreno was fifth, and 285-pound Koby Tigner finished fifth.

"Kobe Swain is only a sophomore, and he finished sixth. He's done a really nice job for us this season. He had to cut some weight to get down to that weight class, and for him to come out and be a placer as a sophomore is huge for him.

"Ross Goncalves was another one who was cutting hard to make 120. He ended up facing the No. 1 kid in the quarterfinals and lost in overtime. It's too bad that those two weren't on opposite sides of the bracket. I would have loved to see a finals match between those too," said Garcia. "But Ross finishing fourth, also as a sophomore, was great, and I know he's going to be a valid guy for his next season.

Garcia continued, "One of our seniors, Kein Anderson did a really nice job for us this season and was a state placer. Ralph was like Christian in how he improved throughout the season. He's a really quiet kid and is a hard worker, and was a placer for us this season. He doesn't have a lot of wrestling experience, but he has a lot of heart. Koby Tigner placed for us. He lost in the quarterfinals but battled back to finish fifth."

With two state champions, three All-State wrestlers and a handful of placers, the '21 season was another successful outing for the Worland Warriors.

Among the highlights for Garcia was his team's dual record of 33-6, going toe-to-toe with all the 4A schools and a dominating win vs. Powell.

"Some big moments for me that stuck out were definitely our dual record. We were 33-6 in our duals this season, and anytime you can do that in a season is impressive in my book. That's a huge accomplishment for our program and our guys.

"Another big moment was when we beat Powell 84-0. It's huge that you can do that against a good quality program. It doesn't mean we're a bragging type of team, but it shows that we can beat tough teams and was a bright spot for us this season.

"We hung out there with every 4A school in the state, and we beat a lot of them. That's something that our guys can be proud of this season and carry that on for next year. It doesn't matter how big a school is; we can wrestle with anyone in the state," said Garcia.

The rules and precautions put in place due to COVID-19 brought some changes to the wrestling season, and one that Garcia liked and hopes sticks is the dual season. The Warriors were very successful in duals this season with 33 wins, and Garcia is not suggesting a strictly dual season as this season was but finding that right balance.

"I can see a lot of the schools liking the dual system. I'm not saying every week but getting a strong dual season," said Garcia.

Heading into the offseason, Garcia wants his wrestlers to go out for any of the spring sports. Then once the summer rolls around, getting in the weight room, improving technique and attending as many camps as they can to help the Warriors hit the ground running when the 2022 season begins.

"As we look on into the future, we want them to get matches wherever they can get them, whether that's USA, freestyle, Greco, and try to go to some of those tournaments. Lifting is huge. We've got to look to improve some strength and power. Then technique camps during the summer.

"Right now, we want them to take some time and relax and try out one of the spring sports. We try to encourage our kids to be three-sport athletes whether they go out for soccer or track. Just try something different and learn from the other coaches we have in the district," said Garcia.

Garcia was also appreciative of his coaching staff and the time they dedicated to the team.

"I really appreciate our assistant coaches and staff. They don't always get the interviews and accolades, but I appreciate everything they do and the hard work they put into the program," said Garcia.