Sand Devils wrestling continues to impress

Among 3A north the Sand Devils are the team to beat.

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The Sand Devils wrestling team spent the week on the road, competing at the Coconino Multi last Wednesday and Veterans Memorial Invitational Friday and Saturday.


Even though they left three wrestlers at home they still defeated Holbrook 72 to 0, and Coconino 48 to 30.
Page and Coconino were tied at 30 points each going into the last half of the weight classes.


Page senior Dorian Daw, wrestling in the 160 pound category, defeated his opponent 5-4 after executing an escape and a takedown in the match’s third period.


Sophomore Kimball Begay was the next Sand Devil to step onto the mat wrestling in the 170 pound weight class. He was able to close out a victory in the match’s final three seconds after a reversal. The reversal gave him the 6-5 victory and just as importantly extended Page’s lead over the Panthers 36-30.

The Sand Devils finished third out of 25 teams at the Veterans Memorial Invitational held last Friday and Saturday.


They defeated Los Alamos 47 to 35, San Carlos 72 to 0, Blue Ridge 57 to 12, Many Farms 64 to 9, and Ironwood 36 to 34.
Their only loss came from Sunnyside who defeated them 65 to 12.


“They wrestled on pure heart and managed to eek out a huge win, earning them the third place trophy out of 25 teams,” said wrestling head coach Kyran Keisling.


For the most part, Coach Keisling likes how his team looks, and continues to improve both as a team and on an individual level.

“Taylor Nez, at 195, wrestled extremely well,” said Keisling. “He pinned everyone in his pool in the first period.


“He is a very crafty wrestler who is really fun to watch.”


“It was great to finally get Dorian Daw back from his extended cross-country season.

“Despite not being in wrestling shape he was able to gut out some quality wins. “


The Sand Devils next meet will be held January 10th at the Chinco Valley Multi.