Jim Weed expected a lot from his kids this season. Still, the Marcos de Niza wrestling team exceeded its coach’s wildest dreams.
Marcos came up short in the 5A Division II team wrestling championship match, falling to perennial power Tucson Sunnyside, 44-19 Wednesday at Sunnyside.
But with only two seniors in the lineup, the Padres have plenty to build on next season.
“I really didn’t think we could accomplish this — not in a dual-match format because we’re a better tournament team,” said Weed, whose team rallied to beat Marana Mountain View, 38-30, in the semifinals earlier Wednesday.
Marcos won five matches from Sunnyside, getting wins from Josiah Stotts (103 pounds), Patrick Carey (171), Roy Rojas (189), Zack Tucker (215) and heavyweight Richard Hernandez.
In the semifinals, Marcos trailed late, but got a pin from Jason Rivera (152), a 9-1 win from Carey, a 12-6 decision from Rojas, a pin by Tucker and a win by Hernandez.
“It was unbelievable to watch,” Weed said. “The kids made me proud.”
