Niwot wrestlers show mixed results in action-packed week

In a grueling week that tested both their endurance and skill, the Niwot High School wrestling team faced off against multiple opponents across three days of competition, showcasing both promising victories and opportunities for growth as the season progresses.

The week began with a dual meet against Timnath High School on Jan. 15, where the Cougars demonstrated their strength in the lighter-weight divisions. Miles Filkins set an aggressive tone for the team in the 106-pound class, securing a commanding pin over Dillon Allsman in just 1:47. The momentum continued as Fransisco Ibarra Padilla (113) and Armando Montano (120) both collected forfeit victories, giving Niwot an early lead in the team scoring.

Ryder Evans dominated his match against William Albiston in the 144-pound weight class, earning a technical fall with a decisive 19-2 score in 3:44. However, Timnath showed their depth and talent across multiple weight classes, with particularly strong performances in the middle and upper weights. The 157-pound match proved to be one of the most competitive of the night, with Timnath's Dean Allsman prevailing over Niwot's Maddox Brown in a narrow 4-1 sudden victory decision.

The Cougars' resilience and ability to bounce back was evident on Friday, Jan. 17 in a dual meet against Fossil Ridge High School at home. Filkins continued his impressive run, securing another pin at 106 pounds, this time defeating Cooper Rickart in 2:28. The match showcased several intense battles, including Evans's tactical 12-9 decision victory over Don Balerio in the 144-pound class, highlighting Evans's ability to perform under pressure.

Brown rebounded from his Wednesday night loss with a strong performance at 157 pounds, pinning Fossil Ridge's Sidney King in 2:46. Max Burke Bedell also delivered a standout performance in the 215-pound class, securing a quick pin over Ryan Rieker in just 1:06.

The weekend culminated with the prestigious Northglenn Norse Varsity Invite on Saturday, Jan. 18, where Cougar wrestlers faced some of the region's top talent. Brown emerged as the team's top performer, securing a sixth-place finish in the 157-pound weight class. Brown's tournament run included an explosive first-round pin over Fairview High School's Daniele Cesari in 1:02, followed by a series of challenging matches that showcased his technical skill and determination.

Brown's path to sixth place included a major decision victory over Vista PEAK Preparatory's Ryder Jeromchek (15-4) and a hard-fought 12-7 decision over Mason Fresquez from Grand Junction High School. Though he ultimately fell to Eaglecrest High School's Tayte Tahja in the fifth-place match, Brown's performance throughout the tournament demonstrated his potential as a serious contender in his weight class.

Bedell (215) showed remarkable determination in the consolation bracket, stringing together consecutive pins over Bridger Freeland of Greeley Central High School (1:50) and James Hitzeman of Jefferson High School (1:28). His aggressive style and ability to finish matches quickly caught the attention of spectators and coaches alike.

Eli Quesada, competing in the 165-pound weight class, contributed to the team's effort with a victory in the consolation rounds, pinning Eagle Valley High School's Ricky Avendano in 2:30. Though Quesada's tournament run was cut short, his season record of 14-5 suggests promising potential for the remainder of the year.

The three-day stretch of competition provided valuable experience for the entire Niwot squad, particularly for younger wrestlers, including Montano and Adam Shoning, who faced tough opposition at the Northglenn tournament. While both wrestlers encountered challenging matches, the experience gained against high-caliber opponents will prove invaluable as they continue to develop their skills.

Niwot wrestlers will travel to Silver Creek High School on Thursday, Jan. 23, with JV starting at 6:00 p.m. and varsity starting at 6:30 p.m. The varsity team will then travel back to Silver Creek on Saturday, Jan. 25, for the Granite Peaks League Tournament.