State wrestling wrap-up: Loveland’s Johnson siblings make history, Chaparral’s title drought ends, Brady Collins’ redemption and undefeated champions – The Denver Post

Kobi and Morgan Johnson made history at state wrestling as the first brother-sister pair to repeat as individual champions.

The Loveland duo was unstoppable over the three-day tournament at Ball Arena. Kobi (120) earned his third consecutive title in Class 4A. Morgan (105) won her second CHSAA-sanctioned title in the girls’ bracket. Their overall combined record this season: 55-2.

The Johnsons credit one another for their success on the mat.

“We’re always there and have to push each other to get an extra workout in or go to practice,” Morgan said. “He’s a huge part of my training and is always my partner for everything. Every night he’ll go and practice with me whenever I need.”

Kobi added: “I knew she was going to win it. I just had to win it myself.”

RELATED: Colorado state wrestling tournament 2022 championship results

In the finals on Saturday night, Morgan defeated Mountain Vista’ Rosalind Ramos-Cruz with a second-period pin (3:21). Then she rushed to the other side of Ball Arena to watch Kobi earn an 11-2 major decision over Windsor’ John Kenney.

The Johnsons celebrated together.

“If it wasn’t for both of us, I don’t think either of us would do any of that,” Morgan said.

Wolverines back on title map. Chaparral hadn’t had an individual wrestling champion for six years. That changed Saturday night, when the Wolverines came away with two titlists.

Declan Strait won the Class 5A crown at 106 pounds with an 8-5 decision over Eaglecrest junior Dorian Ervin. Then, Geoff Freeman won a dramatic championship at 195 with a last-second takedown, beating Legacy senior Gavin Funk 5-3.

While Freeman’s championship underscored his rapid journey from wrestling rookie four years ago to one of Colorado’s top grapplers, Strait had extra motivation after his grandfather, Larry Strait, passed away over winter break.

“My grandpa wanted me to do this before he passed away — he said he was going to be watching me at state,” Strait said. “I know how much he wanted this for me. That gave me all the motivation I needed.”

Strait also had a boost of momentum coming in the finals after upsetting Pomona sophomore Geno Cardenas with a dramatic 4-1 victory in Friday night’s semifinals.

“Getting that win (Friday) night with the throw in the last couple seconds, it boosted me for Saturday,” Strait said. “Cardenas beat me earlier in the year, so it was my goal to beat him this year when it counted most — whether it was in the finals or the semifinals, I knew I would (draw) him, and I knew I could beat him.”

With a title under his belt as a freshman, Strait (37-8 this year) is dreaming big: In three years, he wants to be part of the four-time champions club.

“I think I can definitely do this three more times,” Strait said. “If I put in the hard work over the summers and during the season, I can do it.”

Father-son moment. Cherokee Trail lost both of its title matches (Derek Glenn Jr. at 120 and Matthew Buck at 160), but that didn’t take away the sublimity of coach Jeff Buck getting to coach his son in the finals.

After missing state last year because of the condensed eight-man brackets, Matthew Buck grinded his way to the finals with a close win in the opening match, a major decision in the quarterfinals and a pin in the semifinals.

Buck lost a 16-3 major decision to Ponderosa senior Murphy Menke in the finals.

“Matthew is the true definition of hard work,” Jeff Buck said. “He did everything a wrestler should do since the season ended last year to give himself the opportunity to wrestle in the state finals. As a coach, I am super proud of him, and as his dad I will always cherish the moments with him in his corner.”

Collins’ finals redemption. After losing in overtime in the finals last year in Pueblo, Wray’s Brady Collins got back atop the podium Saturday.

The Eagles junior won the Class 2A 132 title with a third-period pin over Rocky Ford junior Joe Zamora, helping Wray re-capture the team title and hold off Meeker and Centauri. He finished a perfect 43-0 to earn his second championship after also winning a title as a freshman.

Collins is already ready to get back to work to earn a third title as a senior in 2023.

“I did not wrestle my match last year (in the finals), and it pushed me to become an even greater wrestler in the offseason,” Collins said. “Maybe that loss happened for a reason. I’m at a point right now where I’m just elated.

“As far as my legacy goes, I’m trying to be a role model for the young Wray kids and keep our program rolling.”

Unbeaten wrestlers

Wray’s Brady Collins was one of 14 wrestlers to finish the 2021-22 season as unbeaten state champions. Here’s a look at each of them:

* Number of state titles won

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