Three Raiders, one Cougar qualify for state wrestling

by Anna Fredericks
Contributing Writer
The Whitehorse Raiders and Monument Valley Cougars both attended the 1A Division A Wrestling Tournament in Monticello over the weekend. Whitehorse qualified three wrestlers for the state tournament.
Junior Lance Tsinigine at 138 pounds was the top placer for the Raiders, earning a spot in the finals with a fall and a 12-2 major decision win in the early rounds. Tsinigine fought hard but was defeated in the finals, earning a second-place medal.
Freshman Hunter Tsinigine earned a third-place medal at 144 pounds, winning two matches by fall and a big 15-0 technical fall win in the consolation finals.
Sophomore Sanford Begay at 190 pounds earned a fourth-place finish for Whitehorse. Junior Riley Benallie finished in fifth at 132 pounds, earning two technical fall wins, 17-2 and 18-0 on the day.
For Monument Valley, Senior Talon Brooks qualified for the state tournament with a fourth-place medal at 157 pounds. He earned a 12-9 win in the first round. Also competing for the Cougars was Sophomore Jace Tsosie at 157 pounds. He earned a fifth-place finish.
Qualifying wrestlers will be back in action at the state tournament in two weeks on February 7-8 at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield.