San Juan lady wrestlers honor first senior class, perform well in busy week

by Art Adair
Contributing Writer
The San Juan High School girls wrestling team hosted Montezuma-Cortez on January 15 for Senior Night, earning a 42-24 dual victory.
Freshman Breckyn Helquist picked up her first home win with a second-period fall, while fellow freshman LaRyeus Benally earned a first-period fall. Kheirra Keith also secured a win by fall.
Hannah Todachinnie, Khatira Keith, Saylor Dandy, and TyAnna George all earned forfeits for the Broncos. Lydia Hawks and Kadie Palmer wrestled hard and contributed to the team effort.
Between the girls and boys duals, San Juan honored its first senior class. Saylor Dandy, Khatira Keith, TyAnna George, Nevaeh Sampson, and Inez Tsosie were recognized along with their parents. This senior class is credited with helping launch the girls wrestling program in 2024.
On Saturday, January 17 the Lady Broncos traveled to Salina, Utah, to compete at the North Sevier Girls Invitational. The tournament more than doubled in size from the 2025 event, hosting over 200 wrestlers from 24 teams.
Canyon View High School won the team title with 270.5 points followed by Duchesne with 240. A tight battle for third place saw Jordan finish with 167 points, Richfield with 163, and San Juan close behind in fifth with 162 points – just six points out of third place.
San Juan placed eight wrestlers on the podium. Khatira Keith captured first place, winning all of her matches by fall, including the championship bout against a Kanab opponent.
Saraeya Mills earned second place, advancing to the finals with three wins by fall. Kheirra Keith also finished second with all of her victories coming by fall.
Freshman LaRyeus Benally had an outstanding tournament, advancing to the finals and finishing second after winning three matches by fall.
Caydence Joe earned her first podium finish of the season, placing third with a 4-1 record. Saylor Dandy placed third after battling back from injury, winning three matches by fall.
Morgan Kaytso also finished third, going 4-1 with all wins by fall. Breckyn Helquist rounded out the placers with a fourth-place finish, earning her first podium appearance of the season.
Other Lady Broncos contributing points included Hannah Todachinnie in fifth and TyAnna George, Jyel George, Kadie Palmer, and Lydia Hawks all in sixth. Nevaeh Sampson placed seventh. Every wrestler contributed points toward the team’s fifth-place finish.
San Juan opened the current week with a dual in Kayenta, AZ on Tuesday, January 20. They’ll head to Beaver on Thursday, January 22 for a tri with Beaver and Enterprise.