Craig Daily Press / Marking their territory

Archive for Friday, March 28, 2008

Bad Dogs place four wrestlers at nationals in Denver

Ethan Powers, 7, screams while doing sprints Thursday during Bad Dogs wrestling practice at Moffat County High School. On Sunday, the Bad Dogs placed four wrestlers at nationals in Denver.

By John Vandelinder

March 28, 2008

Wrestler Ryan Domson has been a Bad Dog more than half his life.

The 13-year-old captured first place Sunday at the Rocky Mountain nationals in Denver, in the 114-pound weight division.

Domson's previous best finish was third in 2003 in Las Vegas. When he wrestled in the 66-pound division.

There are no breaks for champions Domson said, as the middle-schooler competes in the sectionals beginning Saturday for Craig Middle School.

Craig — The Bad Dogs wrestling team traveled to Denver last weekend to compete in the Rocky Mountain Nationals tournament.

For some, it was an eye-opening experience, as more than 2,000 fans were in attendance.

"When the kids walked into the gym, they were like 'wow,'" coach Kelly Mosman said. "Their eyes were like saucers. There was so many people there compared to what we are used to."

For others, it was a time to be crowned national champion.

"The experienced ones are used to it and go right at it," Mosman said. "You can be wide-eyed until that guy grabs you."

Desi Pfister and Ryan Domson fit into the latter category.

Pfister claimed the 37-pound women's title, winning two of her three matches.

Apparently Pfister wanted some stiffer competition, as she worked her way to a third-place finish in the men's 37-pound division, as well.

"The team did really well on such a big stage," Mosman said. "You've got to be proud of them, especially Pfister and Domson."

Domson swept through the competition in the 114-pound division, placing first in the 16-man bracket.

It was Domson's first title in his eight years on the Bad Dogs team.

"I've been working hard for this," Domson said. "My best finish before was third. It was a lot of fun."

Daijia Lewis placed second in women's division seven, and Deven Mosman placed second in the 87-pound division for wrestlers ages 8 and younger.

Kelly Mosman said he was happy with the high finishes, but what impressed him the most was the effort put forth by those who didn't place.

"A lot of the kids that didn't place won a lot of matches," Mosman said. "That helps them a lot. Once they win that first match, then they are ready, and they know they can beat anybody."