Blackfoot produces three state champions

Blackfoot's Leo Torres enjoys his first moments as 119 state champion

Blackfoot's Gerald Cervantes claims 4A honors at 135

Blackfoot's Ruben Hernandez now a 2X state champion

In one of the most courageous efforts in Blackfoot wrestling history, the Bronco wrestling team defied all critics, coming up just 6.5 points short of a team title at the state tournament, finishing second behind the heretofore heralded “untouchable” Columbia Wildcats.

Despite the second place team finish, Blackfoot demonstrated individual superiority in three state champions: Leo Torres 119, Gerald Cervantes 135, and Ruben Hernandez 171.

Torres took a disciplined path to his state title, dropping to 119 after wrestling his junior season at 125. In a very literal way, his state championship aspirations required round-the-clock focus. He faced Nampa’s Kody Hansen (40-4) in the 119 finals, and won an 8-2 decision—giving up only escape points. “I looked up at the clock with 15 seconds to go and I knew I was going to be a state champion,” said Torres. “At that point it was all I could do to keep wrestling. I was overcome by what was about to happen, and I wanted so badly to celebrate.” Blackfoot head coach Brian Barlow added, “It was an honor to witness such pure happiness coming from Leo. That’s a moment I’m going to treasure.”

Cervantes kept the Blackfoot faithful on the edge of their seats until the very end. His Lakeland opponent, Tristan Storrs (32-7), pushed the match into overtime before Cervantes closed the matter with an impossible double leg takedown. Cervantes, a junior, showcased outstanding physical conditioning throughout state tournament—enabling him to push the pace of his matches and execute in overtime.

Hernandez, a defending state champion, also won an overtime thriller against Columbia’s Adrian Dickinson (44-6). “Last year I was wrestling at 160, which is more of a speed-oriented weight. Dickinson was really strong, so he was more of a challenge, strength wise, than what I’m used to.” When asked what a second state title meant to him, he replied with household implications: “It looks like Alfonso doesn’t have anything on me now.” Alfonso, also a two-time state champion, is Ruben’s older brother.

In addition to its state champions, Blackfoot also claimed seven additional state medals: Juan Navarro (soph. 103) 4th, Dana Williams (sen. 103) 6th, Stetson Jorgensen (soph. 125) 6th, Kyle Williams (sen. 130) 2nd, Charlie Neff (jun. 145) 6th, Chris Percy (jun. 152) 3rd, and Roberto Chavez (jun. 215) 3rd.

“My seniors mean a great deal to me,” said Barlow. “I want to give them my thanks for an awesome ride this season. They worked hard and they’re all an inspiration to me.” When asked who he was particularly impressed with he explained, “Kyle Williams was the backbone of this team. My heart goes out to him for his close loss (4-2) in the finals. A wrestler of his caliber should, and almost always does, get a happy ending. He should hold his head high.”

Barlow also said he was impressed with his younger wrestlers. “Stetson Jorgensen and Chris Percy are probably the most improved wrestlers this year. I’m proud that they’re putting in the effort to step up to the next level.” Blackfoot will return seven state placers next year and number of other state qualifiers—keeping them, as always, competitive for another state title. “Blackfoot wrestling has a heritage of success,” said Barlow. “And this returning talent is a direct product of who has gone before them.”

Advertisement