Alamosa just missed a state title in cross country, but several of those team members are back for a shot at a state wrestling title this weekend. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Who said distance runners are one-dimensional athletes?
Don't tell the Alamosa cross country team that. You may find yourself flat on your back in a half-Nelson.
As good as Alamosa was in cross country this past fall, they're probably even better in wrestling. They enter the state meet tomorrow as a solid favorite to come away with the 3A state title. They have basically owned the #1 team ranking throughout the season.
And a big part of the reason they're in that position has to do with a few guys who were pretty good cross country runners in the fall.
First and foremost, you have twin brothers Drake and Darin Sisneros. Drake finished 18th and Darin 36th in the 3A state cross country meet in October. One season later, they are now among the top-ranked wrestlers at 119 and 112 pounds, respectively. Both are legitimate contenders, though slight underdogs, for the individual state titles in their weight classes.
Chris Reveles, who moved on and off of varsity cross country for the Mean Moose, is competing in the state wrestling tourney at 135 pounds.
And Gavin Palmer, who finished 16th at the state cross country meet, just missed making the state wrestling tournament at 171 pounds (figure, though, he will be at the event with a huge rooting interest in what's going on). Shooting from the hip, I'd guess Mr. Palmer was the biggest guy to finish in the top 20--maybe in any classification.
All the best, Alamosa!