At Colorado’s State Championship wrestling tournament, Eaton’s six representatives fought tough battles to end the season in second place for 3A. Eaton was represented by Tanner True (21), Cael Jordan (21), Ryan Dirksen (22), Alex Castaneda (22), Morgan Tribbett (23), and Patrick Preston (24).  

Eaton finished the championships in second place with 84.5 points behind Pagosa Springs with 110.5. Following Eaton’s team score was Weld Central, Valley, and Bennett. True, Jordan, Dirksen, and Castaneda each got second place in their weight divisions. Tribbett placed fifth in his weight division.  

The 2021 State Championship tournament was different than in past years. The tournament took place in Pueblo, Colorado, instead of at the Pepsi Center like in previous years.  Wrestlers only battled for one day instead of the normal two-day tournament style. Fans were limited because tickets were only available to participants of the tournament for two of their family members to attend.  

“My favorite part about state wrestling was that I got to compete even with all the stuff happening in the world. Even though we worked really hard for the goal to be state champions, we didn’t achieve it and that’s okay.  Sometimes you don’t get what you want or accomplish what you wanted. That’s how life goes and all you can do is keep improving for the next year.” Tribbett said. 

The 2021 wrestling season was full of many victories for Eaton. The Reds not only overcame difficulties with COVID-19 but overcame other wrestling teams.

Prior to State, True’s record was 18-0, Dirksen’s was 18-1, and Castaneda’s was 18-4. 

Castaneda said, “It was different because usually every seat is filled in the stands and it just felt like there weren’t any people.  My hopes for next year are a regular-season and individual and team state titles.”

Eaton battled schools from all over Colorado.  After many hours of hard work, grit, and strength, the Fightin’ Reds were crowned runner-ups in state. All the long days, blood, sweat, and tears are worth it for the Reds as their 2021 wrestling season comes to a close.