West Grand wrestling readies full roster for state championship
Seniors were celebrated on Feb. 5, regionals are Feb. 13-14 and states Feb. 19-21
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
A spotlight shone down on West Grand High School wrestlers as they took to the mat to face off against Summit and Steamboat high schools. West Grand families cheered on their wrestlers during the Senior Night Dual, held Feb. 5 at the junior/senior high school.
After celebrating their senior athletes, the high school wrestling team went up against Summit and Steamboat, with a number of athletes triumphant on their home turf.
“In a hard-fought triangular duel against Steamboat Springs and Summit, the Mustangs filled every single one of the 14 weight classes, beating both squads and signaling a powerful resurgence in the program,” Wrestling Assistant Coach Bryan Klotz told Sky-Hi News.
West Grand is performing well in the 2A division, and the dual was no exception. The challenging matches highlighted West Grand’s successes in the sport, as dedication shone clearly on the athletes’ faces.
According to Klotz, the team’s confidence was bolstered by reaching a historic milestone for the first time in many years, maybe ever: fielding a complete roster.
Notably, senior Blake Terryberry led the “full-strength squad,” said Klotz. The senior secured a win in the heavyweight division, going against a Summit High School athlete. Terryberry was recognized after his match for 100 wins his varsity season. He has helped lead West Grand in both football and wrestling during his four years there.
Head Coach Mitch Lockhart added he’s watched the wrestling roster “grow steadily the past few years, but having a wrestler in every slot — from the lightweights at 106 to the heavyweights at 285 — provides a massive competitive advantage and a boost to team culture.”
Landon Lockhart and Walker Howell have also earned the distinction of ranking third in the 2A division for their respective weight classes, as of Feb. 6.
The team’s depth is showcased by a strong contingent of supporting wrestlers, Klotz added.
These include Lance Eisenman at 165 lbs, Lucas Hernandez at 215 lbs, and several in the 138-lbs group: Johnny Artach, Jaden Martinez and Korden Stone-Vining.
In the women’s division, West Grand is represented by Heaven Vail at 100 lbs and senior Penny Myer at 170 lbs.
“Achieving a full roster is a testament to the hard work of these kids and the culture we are building. It’s been many years since West Grand has been able to say they have all 14 classes covered,” Klotz said. “Whether they are seasoned veterans or rising stars, one thing is certain: West Grand is showing up in full force.”
The Mustang’s next time to shine will be varsity regionals, from Feb. 13-14 in Cedaredge.
With the regular season nearing its end, the Mustangs are muscling their way upwards to the Colorado High School Activities Association State Wrestling Tournament in Denver.
“The journey to the podium culminates Feb. 19–21 at Ball Arena in Denver, where the best in Colorado will face off,” said Klotz.
West Grand High School’s 14-man varsity lineup
Caleb Klotz 106 lbs
Xander Gore 113 lbs
Jack Burton 120 lbs
Alan Lopez 126 lbs
Henry Kellen 132 lbs
Grayson Kassib 138 lbs
Luke Hickam 144 lbs
Drake Bustillos 150 lbs
Landon Lockhart 157 lbs
Walker Howell 165 lbs
Ruban Hatcher 175 lbs
Connor Stone 190 lbs
Aiden Klotz 215 lbs
Blake Terryberry 285 lbs
JV team rises through the Western Slope ranks
In addition to a great show by varsity squad, the junior varsity team is coming into its own. The JV Western Slope Championships were held Feb. 7 in Gunnison. The team earned second out of 11 schools, beat out only by the home team. The Mustangs had the following results:
Henry Kellen – 1st
Drake Bustillos – 1st
Luke Hickam – 1st
Grayson Kassib – 2nd
Lance Eisenman –2nd
Korden Stone – 3rd
Johnny Artach – 3rd
Xander Gore – 3rd
Alan Lopez – 6th
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Henry Kellen dominated his match against Summit wrestler Aldo Leoner in the 132 weight class. Kellen earned 10 points during the dual on Feb. 5.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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Walker Howell won 12-1 in his match against Summit wrestler Tom Hoffman at West Grand Junior/Senior High on Feb. 5, 2025.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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Jack Burton competed against both Summit and Steamboat Springs wrestlers during the dual in the 120 lbs class.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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Members of the West Grand wrestling squad kneel in prayer before the dual on Feb. 5.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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Senior Penny Myer was recognized with her family during Senior Night before the wrestling dual.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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Senior Blake Terryberry was recognized with his family during Senior Night before the wrestling dual.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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