Hunter Howell USAWKS District 4

Hunter Howell will be competing for his fourth State Championship in Topeka this Saturday and Sunday after placing first in the USAWKS 2020 District 4 Championship Tournament held on Saturday, March 7th, at Hays Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Hunter competed in the 12 & Under 120 pound weight class. Hunter won his first match with a tech fall (16-1) against Dradden Foster from Oakley. He then pinned Cass Smith from Atwood to advance to the championship round. Hunter again won by a fall against Sergio Sanchez from Garden City to win the tournament.

Ryan Mongeau will be joining Hunter at State after placing second in the 12 & Under 190 pound class. Ryan won his first round by a 6-4 decision over Gavin Hughes from Smith County. Ryan then lost by a fall to the eventual winner, Mathew Trejo Garden City.

Also wrestling for the Stockton Wrestling Club at Hays were Quintin Trevino and Zeke Balthazor. Quintin was one point away from advancing to State when he lost 3-4 against Edward Ruiz from Dodge semi-consolation finals. Quintin wrestled at 8 & Under 80 pounds and won his first match 11-0 against Kristian Bustamante of Hoisington. Quintin then lost to the eventual champion Karson Nichols (0-6) from Smith County. Quintin had a bye on the back side then won by a fall against Gavin Greene of Lamed. After his 3-4 loss in the next round, Quintin came back to win by a 5-0 decision against Mar-Jr Cardinal to place fifth.

Zeke Balthazor competed at 10 & Under 70 pounds. Zeke lost his first round to Kaden Phillips of Beloit, 0-14, then lost by one point 6-7 against Erik Mackey of Plainville.

Joining Ryan and Hunter for the two-day tournament at Topeka will be Stockton Wrestling Club members Carolina Northup and Mya Trevino. Carolina and Mya will both be competing in the USAWKS 12 & Under girls division.