Congratulations Pee Wee Wrestlers

Lisa Kunz

05/08/2008 - The Gilpin Pee Wee Wrestlers ended their season this year with an End-of-Season Tournament on Saturday, April 26^th. After practicing for weeks, the wrestlers were proud to show off their new found skills on the mat.  At 9 a.m., sharp, parents and grandparents settled into a day-long tournament to watch their Gilpin Pee Wee Wrestlers.   

  The large mat, usually reserved for the high school varsity team, was divided into four sections to accommodate the smaller wrestlers. Announcer, and proud father, Steve Boulter called each pair of wrestlers to the numbered sections. With their hopes high and the excitement on their faces, the young wrestlers began the match in their neutral position stance. Volunteer timekeepers and referees officiated each match. Too ensure that the matches empowered each wrestler, the three one-and-a-half minute rounds were continued until the final whistle, even when a pin had occurred. At the conclusion of each individual match, the referee raised not one, but both wrestler’s right hand in a show of triumph for each wrestler.

  The fifth grade wrestlers are now prepared to wrestle for the Gilpin County Middle School Wrestling Team.  Dylan Kunz went undefeated in six matches and Dalton Smulders went undefeated in five matches. Jacob Hockley and Coleman Johnson both gave it their all to come out on top in three matches. Theodore Morse wrestled up a weight and was victorious in his matches.

  The fourth grade was represented by John Gonzalez, Bjorn Tomlinson, Nathan Hollinsworth, Jonathan Ramsey, and Chase Boulter. Each of these wrestlers was a winner in their five matches. Chase Boulter also wrestled his brother, Austin, second grade, in the featured final match of the day.

  Showing their skills for the third grade were Lindsey James, Eric Battney, Conner Smith, Tyler Stevens, Keyghan Otten, Eric Lorenz, Dante Nadeau, Nick Peterson, Zac Schell, Uriah Hockley and Chris Burtsch. The third graders were all champions in their matches.

  Second graders winners were Austin Boulter, Tristin Foio, Tommy Clontow, Dustin Repp, Jacob Morse, Casey Hanson, Cody Crawshaw and Dusty Morgan.

  First graders Elisha Johnson, Will Lorenz and Levi James proved that even the youngest of wrestlers could hold their own. 

  Kindergarten students Dawayn Hanson, Justin Levenger, Rile Martin, Micheal Whinholds and Hunter Hansell demonstrated a determination usually seen only in older wrestlers.

  After a full day on the mats, each wrestler received a bronze-like trophy and a hand shake from head coach, Jeremy Hanson. Following the award ceremony, the cafeteria was filled with all comers for a potluck that offered chili, giant sub sandwiches, sloppy joes, fried chicken, potato salad and lots of desserts.

 The Pee Wee Wrestling program is scheduled to be held again next year. The coaches are looking forward to the participants continuing in the program and watching as the young talent grows into a group of athletes who are more prepared for the sports to come as they mature into middle school and high school.    

  Long-time coach, Lonnie Kunz, says that preparing a young person for sports has less to do with the mechanics and more to do with the foundation being set for learning the mechanics. “At this age, if you involve a child in sports and give them the proper instruction and direction, it isn’t about what they learn but is more about gaining a willingness and eagerness to be coached as they grow and develop in their skill.”

  The staff of the Pee Wee program also asks that thanks be given to each and every volunteer, each parent who shuttled their wrestlers back and forth, and to the participants themselves for making this a fun program that will only get better as the program matures. 

  Congratulations Pee Wee Wrestlers!