Cactus Shadows finally has their first state champion wrestler. After 38 years and many runner ups.
Ian Grubbs, a senior, won the championship at the Veterans memorial coliseum with a decision over another senior from Centennial High.
Coach Brian Kunkel says “ Ian was one of the hardest working guys in the room this year. “
“He did a lot of pre-season workouts and attended many off season tournaments that he could.
Ian went 47-2. He accrued an incredible 31 pins, 3 tech falls, 2 major decisions, 2 decisions, and 9 nine forfeits. He also was a Wickenburg Champion, Central AZ Classic champion, Brad Jones Champion,Sectional Champion and a runner up at Moon Valley barely getting beat by a 2 time state champ.
Cactus Shadows qualified 8 guys and 1 girl to the state tournament. Only the top 16 in the state get to go in their respective weight class.
Kunkel says “I was thinking about retiring this year after 15 years but with this returning team, {only graduating 1 guy] I may have to stick around a little longer.”
Girls wrestling has exploded nationwide and Cactus Shadows has a 2 time state qualifier in sophmore Madi Behmer.
“I have no doubt Madi will be our first state champ women wrestler for Cactus Shadows. She is one tough kid I can tell you that.”
