(Editor’s note: correction from the print issue)
Sonoran Trails Middle School wrestling
The journey to the state tournament was a challenging one for Christian, who entered unseeded but was determined to avenge a loss earlier in the month to the #1 seed in the state and eventual champion, Jacob Goodwin from Morenci. At the Mile High Tournament in Prescott, Christian had held a lead over Goodwin before ultimately losing. That defeat lingered in Christian’s mind, fueling a desire to perform better at the state tournament.
In the round of 16, Christian delivered an upset, defeating the 8th seed. But in the quarterfinals, he found himself down 5-1 against Goodwin, who pinned him in the second period. Despite the setback, Christian saw this as an opportunity to prove himself. He entered the consolation side of the bracket with a clear focus on securing a high finish.
Christian’s resolve never wavered. Drawing motivation from his earlier loss, the close mentorship of his uncle, Joe Belmonte, a coach of a wrestling club in California, Christian refined his skills. He also benefited from the countless hours spent in the weight room with his father, Ken Snyder, building the physical strength necessary for his success.
Christian went on a tear, pinning three of his next four opponents, including the #5 and #7 seed. His determination culminated in a dominant performance against the #4 seed from Tuba City, where he secured a major decision victory 13-3 to win 3rd place at state. Christian’s journey is a testament to his grit, resilience, and the strong support system that pushed him to embrace the challenges he faced along the way.
Matthias, had a season marked by dominance. He went undefeated in his conference until the conference championships, where a heartbreaking overtime loss to his rival, Holland from Hillcrest, kept him from securing the title. Despite the loss, Matthias entered the state tournament as the #5 seed. He immediately made an impact, upsetting the #4 seed, Jessop from St. Johns, who was 20-0 going into the match. Matthias pinned Jessop in the second period, leaving his opponent in disbelief.
Matthias’ run to the state semifinals continued with a strong effort against the eventual champion, Woodall from Morenci. Woodall, known for his ability to pin every opponent before the third round, proved to be formidable. Matthias fought valiantly but was ultimately pinned by Woodall.
Matthias wasn’t done yet. In the consolation semifinals, he faced the #6 seed, Adams from Pima, and earned a 7-4 victory to advance to the consolation finals. Matthias finished his season with a well-earned 4th place finish, a testament to his determination and growth throughout the season.
Christian and Matthias both had remarkable seasons, filled with perseverance and personal growth. Christian’s journey began with a dominating performance against the North Valley Conference in Phoenix, where he went undefeated. He took on extra tournaments outside the school’s wrestling schedule to prepare for the high-level competition he would face at state. His relentless work ethic, combined with strong family support, ultimately led him to a top finish at the Arizona state tournament.
Matthias, a dynamic multi-sport athlete, also excelled in Jiu-Jitsu and soccer. Thanks to his parents, Mark and Brandie Dunlap, Matthias was often seen leaving a wrestling meet to rush to a soccer match across town. The dedication and hard work he demonstrated in all three sports is remarkable, with soccer providing a unique cross-training experience that helped him with the conditioning required for wrestling.
Both athletes demonstrated the power of perseverance, mentorship, and family support. Their journeys are an inspiration to others, proving that no matter the setbacks, there is always an opportunity to rise, learn, and grow.
— Submitted by James Montgomery
