Colorado Crowns 84 Wrestling Champs in 3-Day Championship

Over 1,300 Colorado high school wrestlers stepped onto the mats at Ball Arena this weekend, and 84 of them walked away as state champions. The three-day Colorado High School Activities Association Wrestling State Championships showcased the best young athletes across all six classifications, proving that hard work and dedication still win the day.

Highland made history by capturing its first-ever state wrestling title in the 2A boys division. For a program that's been building toward this moment, the win represents years of early morning practices and unwavering commitment from coaches and athletes alike.

Pomona High School put on a show for the ages in the 5A boys division. The team went a perfect nine for nine in championship matches and shattered its own state record with their eighth consecutive title. Their previous record of 278.5 points, set in 2023, fell as the team demonstrated complete dominance across weight classes.

Several wrestlers proved they're in a class of their own. Justice Gutierrez from Pomona completed an undefeated season while winning her third consecutive title in the 5A girls 100-pound division. Matilda Hruby from Brighton also capped an undefeated season with her third straight championship at 155 pounds.

The championships also celebrated wrestling's deep roots in Colorado communities. CHSAA honored coaches with decades of service, including Ty Tatham who received recognition for 40 years of coaching across multiple schools. These mentors have shaped thousands of young lives through the sport.

Grand Junction Central, Pueblo Central, and Pueblo East all successfully defended their 2025 titles. Eaton claimed its fourth 3A championship in seven years, showing that excellence in wrestling comes from consistent culture building, not just individual talent.

Why This Inspires

This weekend wasn't just about crowning champions. It was about 1,300 young people who chose discipline over distraction and teamwork over individual glory. Wrestling demands sacrifice that most teenagers never consider: brutal weight management, grueling conditioning, and the loneliness of one-on-one competition where there's nowhere to hide.

The undefeated champions showed what's possible when talent meets relentless preparation. The multi-year champions proved that sustained excellence requires showing up every single day, even when nobody's watching. And the first-time team champions at Highland reminded everyone that breakthrough moments come to those who refuse to quit.

These young athletes are learning lessons that will serve them long after their final whistle: how to lose with grace, win with humility, and push through when everything hurts.

Colorado's wrestling community is raising the next generation of leaders, one match at a time.