Yuma High School’s boys wrestling team will open the 2025-26 season on its home mat today, December 4.
The Outlaws will host Wray for a dual in The Pit at approximately 6 p.m., following the girls dual that begins at 5:30.
“They are saying it’s a down year for Wray,” Yuma coach Presley Papachek said, “but a down year for Wray is a good year for a lot of other teams.”
The Eagles are ranked No. 3 in 2A in the CHSAA preseason coaches’ poll. Yuma was among those “Also receiving votes.”
Yuma’s first tournament is Saturday at the Chuck Annand Invitational in Akron. It features mostly small schools, as well as a couple of JV teams from bigger programs. Highland, ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll, highlights the field.
Yuma wrestling is going with quality over quantity this season.
“Our numbers are a little lower than we wanted,” Papachek said, “but the 11 we have are a good 11.”
The roster includes four returning state qualifiers — Daden Beauprez, David Gaytan, Jesus Gordo and Cooper Blach.
There is some doubling up currently among the 11 wrestlers. Papachek said there will be nine in the varsity lineup this week, but hopes it increases to 10 after the weekend.
Blach checks in at 113 pounds, Esteban Gonzalez 120, Augi Montes de Oca 126, Gaytan 138, Blake Stivers 144, Dallas Brunk 157, Jorge Ramos 175, Tyson Hansen 190. Beauprez 215 and Montes 285. Anderson Habana also is at 113. Stivers, a senior from Otis, missed last season due to a knee injury. Ramos is a junior from Arickaree that is out for the Yuma team for the first time.
“State championships are not won in December,” Papachek said, “but (this week’s competitions) will be a good test for us.”
After today, the Outlaws will have three more appearances in The Pit, all coming in January.