By Aaron Braun, Reporter

Last year the boy’s wrestling team, lead by head coach Tim Corby, placed 19th overall in last year’s 5A state tournament. Max Gonzales, a sophomore at the time, finished in an astounding third place for the 220 pound weight class. Throughout Gonzales’ sophomore season at Rangeview he had an impressive record of 41-4. With only two state qualifiers last year, this year’s boys are looking to improve those numbers, even though Gonzales has transferred to Cherokee Trail.

Coach Corby says his goals and hopes for this season are to, “ Be successful in the EMAC, I would like to see as many individuals as possible qualify for state.”

A few outstanding varsity wrestlers in coach Corby’s eyes are: senior Nick Sanchez-Janz in the 126 pound weight class, senior Kahari Gordon in the 132 pound weight class, senior Kipp Corby wrestling at 138 pounds, junior Deron Solomon at 145 pounds, and senior Christian Calkins in the 182 lbs weight class.  

Senior Christian Calkins said, “Last year’s season went fairly well, but in the end it was disappointing for those who didn’t make it to state.”

Although the boys are eager to take down the season, Dominic Wenger will always be on their minds. Wenger was a former Rangeview wrestler and cross country runner. He was in the graduating class of 2015, and he passed away a few weeks ago.

Senior Christian Calkins says, “ It’s not easy losing a teammate, especially one you’ve wrestled with for so long. It takes a tole on your season.”

Wenger was a state qualifier in his junior year. He was more than just another teammate to his fellow wrestlers.  

“ He was a good friend, they called themselves brothers,” commented coach Corby, “They have taken it hard but have turned it into motivation.”

The team is dedicating the season to Wenger, and are now going to, as Corby calls it “DOMinate”.

Rangeview’s first wrestling meet is today December 4th against the Eaglecrest Raptors at Rangeview High School at seven p.m.