No one shined brighter than Jimmy Benavides.  The senior, who has only one loss on the season, made the change from the 112 pound weight class to 103's this week.  The change was good.  Benavides won three matches and the attention of the crowd and opposing coaches on his way to his first tournament championship.  Benavides was voted by coaches as the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament for the lower weights (103 -140).  "Jimmy knocked off three very good wrestlers.  People were coming up to me wanting to know where this kid came from," said Beard, adding "Jimmy got stronger as the day went on."

Senior Mason Ewing won the championship at 135 pounds, but only spent less than 3 minutes on the mat for the day since he pinned all of his opponents in the first period.  "Mason just mowed through his opponents like a machine," said assistant coach Luke Cross.

Chris Harvey won his second tournament title of the season.  The senior wrestled at 160 pounds and had his first close match of the year, winning in double-overtime in the title match.  "I think Chris was disappointed in the way he wrestled, but he shouldn't be.  Bottom line is he won.  Every kid that wrestles him is going to wrestle their absolute best.  Every kid wants to be the one that knocks him off," said Beard.  Beard explained that because Harvey is the number one ranked wrestler in the state he wears a big target on his back and everybody is gunning for him.  "It is a lot of pressure, but Chris handles it well," added Beard.

The other Devil to place was Brendan Best, a junior 171 pounder.  Best's weight was stacked with talent, including a defending state champion and a state runner-up.  Best lost 8-2 in the semi-final match to Brandon Morris of Nucla.  The defending state champion went on to win the tournament and 8 to 2 proved to be his closest match of the day.  Best ended up in fourth place as he got caught in a move and pinned in the consolation finals.  "I know he'd like both his matches (losses) back, but I'm proud of him.  He is learning from each and every move.  He will be right where he needs to be at state tournament time," said Beard.

The tournament proved very difficult for the other Devils who made the trip.  Kyle Green (152), Will Britt (215), and Louis Romersheuser (275) were each able to muster only one victory.  Trent Book (112), Manuel Carrasco (119), Bo Archibeque (140), and Herman Hogue (145) didn't win any matches, but should benefit from the experience and be more prepared for the upcoming Warrior Wrestling Classic this weekend at Grand Junction Central High School.  The Classic draws 32 teams from 5 states and is considered one of the toughest tournaments in the West.

The Junior Varsity Devils had a tough weekend at the Rifle JV tournament as well.  Junior Josh Wamboldt took first place at 103 pounds while freshman Joey Bajza placed fourth at 112 pounds.  Coach Mike Morrissey's JV squad will wrestle at Fruita on December 17th.