Marcos de Niza fell to Yuma Kofa in the 5A Div. II state wrestling semifinals, 49-21, but the Padres did get a victory from defending state champion Josiah Stotts in the 119-pound class in Wednesday’s matches at Mesa Skyline High School.
Jimmy Klingensmith lost a tough 6-5 decision in his 189-pound match for the Padres, who had to forfeit their match at 145 pounds.
“The kids wrestled really hard, Kofa is just really tough,” Padres coach Jim Weed said.
“We are really proud of the kids.” Marcos de Niza finished the year at 16-8 despite never fielding its desired lineup because of injuries.
The state title was won by Tucson Sunnyside, the school’s 10th straight. The Blue Devils beat Kofa 47-12 in the finals.
With the triumph, Sunnyside coach Bobby De-Berry took over sole possession of the state record for most wrestling titles (11th at Sunnyside), passing former Payson coach Dennis Pirch.
