Words can not describe what a gutsy performance Sophomore Sheridan Howe displayed Saturday during the Class 2A Region 4 Wrestling Tournament in La Junta, where Colorado’s 2A wrestlers convened to battle for the right to be called the best in the region and the chance to advance to High School Wrestling’s ultimate stage – The Pepsi Center. Friday, as Regionals began, it was evident Howe was on a mission as he was the only Trojan to get a win as he pinned Reyna from Cheyenne Wells. Howe then lost his second match on Friday to Blasi from Burlington. Blasi eventually went on to take first place. As Saturday rolled around Howe still had the determination and heart of a champion as he continued his quest by beating Eastin from Kiowa and Welch from Baca County. In Howe’s fifth match of the tournament, he faced Stalder from Crowley County, with the winner a guaranteed 4th place finish and a ticket to the big show. With State within his grasp, Howe did not let the opportunity get away. With 24 seconds left in the first period, Howe pinned Stalder which was followed by an eruption of cheers and emotions from Howe, coaches and Las Animas fans alike.
For 3rd place, Howe lost to Acosta from Fowler, leaving Howe in 4th place and at risk for the 5th place wrestler to challenge him for the 4th and last slot. In 5th place was Soden from Rocky Ford and since Howe and Soden had not faced each other, Soden and Howe had to compete in a wrestle back match, sending the loser home and the victor on to the Pepsi Center. With a childhood dream and a trip to the Pepsi Center on the line, Howe held off Soden with another emotional win by an 11-4 decision.
Howe, started off the season at 152 lbs. and seemed to struggle a little, even as he moved up to 160 lb. Howe then eventually came back down to 152 lb. where he seemed to find his comfortable weight and began to dominate on the mat. Howe proved he is one of the best 2A Region 4 wrestlers; it is now time for him to prove that he is the best 152 lb. 2A wrestler in the State of Colorado as he will be leaving to Denver on Wednesday to compete in the 75th annual State Wrestling Tournament. The Colorado State Championships will be held February 18-20, 2010 at the Pepsi Center. GOOD LUCK AT STATE SHERIDAN
