Buckaroo wrestlers wrap up first half of season with in Manti, Dolores

by Anna Fredericks
Contributing Writer
The Monticello Buckaroo wrestlers continue to make good progress on the season, finishing up part one of their season at the Manti Holiday Classic Friday and Saturday, December 20-21.
The Buckaroos earned dual wins over Milford, Wayne, and Piute and were defeated by Panguitch, Maple Mountain, Juab, and Manti. As a team they were perfect against Wayne, winning every match, and only lost one against Piute. Head-to-head they were even at five matches apiece with Panguitch.
Leading the Buckaroos is sophomore John Leber who is undefeated so far this season, adding eight wins this week to his season record of 26-0. Leber and fellow sophomore Arturo Gutierrez each were undefeated at the Manti Tournament.
Leber had three big wins by technical fall, in addition to a fall, a 11-0 major decision, and a thrilling 15-14 win in the final seconds against Milford. Gutierrez earned three wins by fall and a strong 13-3 major decision win.
Landon Shumway was 2-2 at the tournament, earning a 19-3 technical fall win and a win by fall. Tavon Black had a strong week, finishing 4-2 earning all four wins by fall. Jarum Robison and Camren Carpenter each were 3-2 at the tournament, both earning all wins by fall.  Diego Cortez earned three solid wins by fall for the Buckaroos. Tyson Wheeler, Ronnie Harris and Miles Coleman all earned two wins by fall.
In the JV tournament, Noah Dilts finished third earning two wins by fall. Zamian Lopez also worked hard for the Buckaroos.
Earlier in the week the Buckaroos traveled to Dolores, CO where they defeated the Bears and Ignacio in duals.
Earning wins for the team over Dolores were Miles Coleman, Landon Shumway, and Jarum Robison all by fall. John Leber earned a 19-3 technical fall win. Ronnie Harris was defeated in his match.
Against Ignacio, Leber added another technical fall, 18-0. Landon Shumway also won by 18-2 technical fall and Tyson Wheeler added a 17-2 technical fall win. Ronnie Harris won by major decision 24-11. Diego Cortez, Miles Coleman, and Tavon Black all wrestled hard but were defeated.
The Buckaroos now enter the Christmas break but will be back on the mat at the Utah Winter Classic in Richfield on January 3-4.