They either pass or fail.
On Saturday, Payson wrestlers demonstrated just how much theyâve learned since the start of this COVID-19 delayed and shortened season.
Eight Longhorns qualified for Thursdayâs AIA Division 3 State Championships at Poston Butte with top four finishes in the Section 2 Tournament in Wilson Dome. Itâs the most state qualifiers the Longhorns have produced since sending 12 wrestlers to state in 2013-14, topping each of the past six seasons.
Eight Payson wrestlers finished among the top four in their weight class in Saturdayâs Div. 3 Section 2 tournament at Wilson Dome. Pictured are (from left): Jacob Roberts, Toby Gressley, Nick Dimbat, Travis Christianson, Sal Sellis, Jimmy Johnson, Troy Daniels and Soto Sellis.Photos by Keith Morris/Roundup
The Longhorns overcame three forfeit losses in a win over Eastmark and four more in a win over Winslow.
But wrestling teams canât keep digging themselves out of those kinds of holes without getting buried against some of the best opponents theyâll see.
They faced their toughest of the young campaign on Saturday, Jan. 23 in Wilson Dome.
And San Tan Valley Combs took advantage of 24 forfeit points to hand Payson its first loss in three matches this season, 48-30.
The Coyotes won at nine of the 14 weights and picked up six points in six of their nine wins. The Coyotes recorded two pins to go with the four forfeit victories.