I showed up to the final session of the Madison Invitational Saturday night expecting to see Blackfoot’s three or four standout wrestlers in action. Not to be the case. Nearly the whole team was warming up. They advanced eight to the championships and another three to the consolation finals for good measure—easily taking the tourney.
Typically, the final round of a tournament is full of close, technically sound matches. The best are wrestling the best, and everyone in the stands is squirming at every turn. But every once in a while there’s a wrestler who’s so good that his dominance sets the crowd at ease, and everyone is treated to a next-level performance. This is Ruben Hernandez territory. He faced a very good wrestler in Bonneville’s Creed Richardson, but still managed a 16-0 tech fall to bring the title match to an early end. The Blackfoot 171 pounder is just amazing to watch.
Speaking of impressive, let’s talk about 145 lb. Charlie Neff. He also won his weight class, scoring a pivotal takedown in the closing seconds to oust his opponent in dramatic fashion. His win is an indicator to the 145 lb. elite that there’s another main player.
Typically, the final round of a tournament is full of close, technically sound matches. The best are wrestling the best, and everyone in the stands is squirming at every turn. But every once in a while there’s a wrestler who’s so good that his dominance sets the crowd at ease, and everyone is treated to a next-level performance. This is Ruben Hernandez territory. He faced a very good wrestler in Bonneville’s Creed Richardson, but still managed a 16-0 tech fall to bring the title match to an early end. The Blackfoot 171 pounder is just amazing to watch.
Speaking of impressive, let’s talk about 145 lb. Charlie Neff. He also won his weight class, scoring a pivotal takedown in the closing seconds to oust his opponent in dramatic fashion. His win is an indicator to the 145 lb. elite that there’s another main player.
Although the Broncos are two time defending 4A state champions, Columbia High School of Nampa is threatening to deny Blackfoot of the three-peat. They are a very talented team with an equally impressive roster. We will be treated to a state tournament warm-up this weekend where both teams will compete at the Tiger Grizz Invitational.
The Broncos’ next outing is a home match against Hillcrest on Wednesday, 6:30 P.M.
The Broncos’ next outing is a home match against Hillcrest on Wednesday, 6:30 P.M.
