Dalton’s third title propels Pueblo East win
Three- time state champion Weston Dalton’s wrestling philosophy is pure, simple, and powerful.
“I’ve learned that you can push yourself harder every day,” the Pueblo East senior said. “I’ve been telling myself that you can get 1% better every day.”
He’s repeating that mantra ever since his sophomore season when he carried an undefeated record into the state finals only to lose to Loveland senior Cody Thompson in the 132- pound final.
It was a crushing loss.
But Saturday night at Ball Arena, Dalton all but erased that memory, pinning Thompson Valley’s Garet Hendrickson 20 seconds into the second period to capture the crown at 150 pounds. He became one of those elite wrestlers with three state titles. The night was made even sweeter because his victory officially clinched the Class 4A state title for the dynastic Eagles, who have captured three crowns in the past five years ( 2019, ’ 22 and ’ 23).
“This feels great because I finished my career at the very top,” said Dalton, who will wrestle collegiately for Nebraska. “Our team worked so hard this year and we had so many highs and lows and so many injuries. The coaches pushed us as hard as they could.
We deserve this.”
Dalton won the 120- pound title as a freshman, then earned a 7- 0 decision over Falcon senior Tyler Valdez as a junior last year in the 145- pound class.
“I’m way happier now because I learned what it’s like to lose in the state finals,” Dalton said. “This makes me appreciate this moment more. And I’m definitely a lot strong now, being in the wrestling
room every day. I’ve learned to love it so much.”
In one of the most compelling matches of the evening, Pueblo County’s Zion Mares outpointed Pueblo East’s Manuel Amaro, 10- 6
to win the 113- pound division. Mares, a senior, won his second consecutive title. The Pueblo due grew up together, trained together and have been friends for years.
“He’s a stud … a really tough guy,” Mares said of Amaro.
But it was Mares who scored with two reversals to win the match.
“The difference tonight was my breathing and staying calm,” Mares said. “I was able to pace myself for the whole six minutes. I stayed consistent the whole match. The last time I faced him ( in a loss) I emptied the tank too soon.”