Lopez runner-up at Berthoud

It was a light crew for head coach Bobby Matthews at the 2020 Diny Pickert Invitational at Berthoud High on Jan. 26, as several Niwot wrestlers battled illness. That made for a light score in the final team standings, where Niwot placed 14th overall with 34.0 points.

Niwot heavyweight Jovani Lopez earned his seventh trip to the podium this season with a 2nd-place finish in the 285-pound class. He was runner-up for the third time to Oscar Aranday of Skyline, who won in a 2-1 decision. Lopez went 3-1 on the day, and improved to 23-6 on the year.

Keith Hemmenway missed another trip to the podium when he lost to Jacob Loomis of Horizon by decision in the third consolation round, just outside the top 6.

Niiwot will be back on the mat again on Jan. 29, then at the Thornton Invitational on Feb. 1.

1/26 Diny Pickert Invitational, Berthoud HS

Team Scores—Weld Central 144, Skyline 140, Berthoud 129, Fort Morgan 128, Loveland 126, Moffat County 115.5, Horizon 111, Sterling 97, Holy Family 75, Vista Peak 64, Elizabeth 60, Glenwood Springs 37, Littleton 36, Niwot 34, Middle Park 32, Centaurus Hs 21,

Niwot results

106 — Cons. Round 2 - Brody Wiser (Moffat County) over Angel Aldama (Fall 2:05)

113 — Cons. Round 3– Matthew McCarthy (Holy Family) over Parker Limi (Fall 0:58)

126 — Cons. Round 1 – Trace Frederickson (Moffat County)over Satchel Hart (Dec 5-1)

152 — Cons. Round 2 – Jacob Loomis (Horizon) over Keith Hemmenwa (Dec 6-1)

285 — 1st Place Match –Oscar Aranday (Skyline) over Jovani Lopez (Niwot) (Fall Dec 2-1)