Eagles Wrestling flying high.

PHOTOS BY DAVE GIBSON

DENVER — Only the very best wrestlers in the state are invited to compete in the CHSAA State Wrestling Championships at Ball Arena in Denver. Gilpin Eagle junior Neko Cope has now participated two years in a row.

Wrestling in the 2A 285 lb. weight class, Cope captured first place at the Frank Palmeri, Les Mattocks, and Soroco Tournaments this season. At the other three in which he appeared, he took home second place. Similar to last year’s mark, Cope finished the regular season with an impressive 21-3 record. In all 21 of those victories, he pinned his opponent.

At State, Cope lost his first match on Thursday, February 17, against Uriah Cook of Norwood. Facing Naithyn Ditchen of Crowley County the next morning, he bounced back decisively with a reversal and pin to even his record in the Championships. Even though Cope nearly pinned Garrett Rogers of Burlington that afternoon in his third and final match, Rogers ultimately prevailed with a pin at 1:26 of the second period.

Gilpin grappler Neko Cope strikes an intimidating pose.

PHOTOS BY DAVE GIBSON

“Neko had a great year,” noted Coach Scott Burrow. “The growth he showed this season puts him on a good path to get where he wants to be next year.”