Tim’s Toyota Center saw a scene of controlled chaos today as the best 416 High School wrestlers from Divisions III and IV met for the opening of the Arizona High School State Tournament today at Tim’s Toyota Center. Eight mats were in continuous use for about nine hours, each match beginning as soon as the previous one was done. It was a hard day for both the contestants and the spectators. The wrestlers struggled to subdue their opponents, experiencing emotions from elation to harsh disappointment. The fans yelled, screamed, encouraged, and sat for hours on hard stadium seats. Titanic struggles and overtime victories were common. When it was all over the stage was set for tomorrow’s championships.

Local schools did quite well. Camp Verde High School (Division IV) will have three wrestlers going for first place honors: Michael Casillas at 106#, Ryan Allred at 120# and Derrick Brown at 152 #. In addition three others made it to the semi-finals, but lost, leaving them in contention for third place: Isiah Mcreynolds at 113#, Alex Anzar at 152# and Anthony McBeth at 220#.

Mingus High School and Chino Valley (Division III) will each have two wrestling for first. From Mingus: Dilon Lightfoot at 145# and Justin Zaske at 160#. Also Hank Goettl at 132# will wrestle toward third. From Chino Valley Jake Lund at 160# and Pat Dalcerro at 170# will be contesting first place in their weight classes. Dalcerro, number four seed in his class, won one of the closest and toughest matches of the day. He beat number one seed JT Hinson of Cactus High School in overtime by a score of 6-5.

Divisions III and IV will continue Friday with consolation rounds beginning after the first rounds of Division I and II competition, culminating with the medal rounds at 7:30.

Divisions I and II will begin wrestling around 9:45 Friday and continue on Saturday with the medal rounds scheduled for 4:30. All these times are approximate.

Both Prescott and Prescott Valley are in Division II.