By Denise Schump

The Berthoud Spartans took second place in the 25^th annual JFK wrestling tournament in Denver on Saturday. Fifteen 4A and 5A teams took part in the competition with Berthoud coming out just 10 points behind their league rival, the Frederick Warriors. Eight Berthoud grapplers placed in the meet with three Spartans, Robbie Workman (130), Corey Ellis (160), and Casey Couch (189), taking home championship medals. Junior Robby Workman started off the day with a quick pin in 47 seconds and wrestled his way through the bracket to take first place away from Rangeview’s Jaire Fort in the final matchup. In a decision win, Junior Corey Ellis took on Time Rice from Eaglecrest to take away first place honors. Casey Couch, another of Berthoud’s junior wrestlers, pinned in each round including the championship match, where he beat  Ibby Frawan from Eaglecrest, with a fall early in the second period.

^[1]

Three Berthoud first place winners

Senior, Marcus Lucero (140) took second place against Frederick’s fourth ranked Tyler Parker in the championship round. In the 215 pound class, Berthoud’s J.T. Pickert fought through six minutes of his championship bout but came out short to top seed, Colin Ostemiller in a close decision loss.  Freshman, Alex Kingsley (112) matched out, after wrestling five times, the state imposed maximum, in his bid for third place and had to forfeit his final match to take fourth place in the consolation bracket. Jesse Lyman (145) and Steven Martinez (189) each brought home fourth place medals while Austin Bending (103) and Justin Zandt (152) helped Berthoud stack up the points by recording pins in the early rounds of the tournament.

^[2]

Marcus Lucero working his way into the championship round

Berthoud will host their last home duel meet Thursday night at 7:00 against the Fort Morgan Mustangs.