Author: Justin Pederson
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Jay-Z leads Grammy nominations with 8 as rap, R&B take center stage
NEW YORK — Jay-Z is the leader of the 2018 Grammy Award nominations in a year where the top four categories are heavily dominated by rap and R&B artists, giving the often overlooked genres a strong chance of winning big. The Recording Academy announced Tuesday that Jay-Z is nominated for eight honors, including album, song,…
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State wrestling notes
Class 5A Despite a disappointing semifinal round, Pine Creek had a strong finish to the state tournament. The Eagles placed six wrestlers in the top six for 80 team points, finishing fifth in the team standings. Senior Chris Cos (145 pounds), junior Dakota Colonese (138) and freshman Jordan Martinez (106) all closed their season on…
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Learning loss for Hankin
Denver – A battle between returning state champions was as close as you would expect it to be, but of the pitcher’s-duel variety more than a slugfest. Coronado junior Jess Hankin was unable to penetrate the defenses of Cherry Creek senior Mitch Finesilver, losing a 1-0 decision on an escape by Finesilver early in the…
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State wrestling: Petrash saddles up and rides to 285-pound title
Denver – Success breeds success. The first thing out of the mouth of newly crowned 4A heavyweight champion Justin Petrash was a shout out to the former Air Academy champion and current Air Force Academy wrestler Rip Price, who won the 220 title in 2012. “This is what I’ve been working for four years,” Petrash…
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State wrestling notes: Florence’s Ysalas in finals match
Florence’s Ysalas on to finals Florence senior Jacob Ysalas outlasted Sheridan junior Anthony Contreraz on Friday to earn a berth to Saturday’s 126-pound championship match of the 3A state wrestling tournament at the Pepsi Center. Ysalas, who had won just one match total in two previous trips to state, broke down afterwards as he was…
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State wrestling: No Pine Creek wrestlers in finals
Pine Creek took 11 wrestlers to the state tournament, but for the first time since 2006 failed to advance a wrestler to a state final bout with three Eagles falling in the semifinals. But the disappointment of the day quickly gave way to excitement for the future. Only four of the Eagles’ 11 state qualifiers…
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State wrestling: Hankin back in finals; Benford, Supernaw making finals debut
Denver – Coronado junior Jess Hankin found his way to a familiar place Friday at the Pepsi Center, punching his ticket to the state final for the second year in a row. Seniors Rashawn Benford of Fountain-Fort Carson and Brandon Supernaw of Doherty will join Hankin in the finals for the first time in their…
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Lower Weights Wrestling Peak Performer of the Year: Geordan Martinez, Pine Creek
Pine Creek 138-pound senior Geordan Martinez dominated in a way rarely seen this season, compiling a 44-0 record to capture his third state title. The state final came down to a matchup with No. 2 seed Austin Marvel, a senior from Pomona. Martinez scored a takedown in the first period and racked up a 10-0…
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Wrestling Coach of the Year: Ron Sukle, Discovery Canyon
Ron Sukle has coached the Discovery Canyon wrestling program to a top-7 finish at state four years in a row, including second place in Class 4A this year, earning him The Gazette Coach of the Year honors. He’s earned similar recognition before from the Gazette, the 4A Metro League and area coaches at the Colorado…
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Upper Weights Wrestling Peak Performer of the Year: Alex Smith, Pine Creek
Standing in the tunnel in the Pepsi Center, fighting back tears, fresh off the biggest win of his life, surrounded by an entire team there to celebrate with him, Pine Creek senior Alex Smith was at a loss for words. Four years of hard work boiled down to overtime in the 152-pound state final against…