Cibola wrestling has eyes on prize

Kofa, Gila Ridge also hoping for success at state

For the last five years in Division I, the Cibola wrestling team has always been the bridesmaid, but never the bride — five top-five finishes, but nary a title. Of course, sandwiched amidst those five seasons were two D-II championships.

But still, Cibola coach Mike Jankowski wants a title at the highest level of Arizona prep wrestling, and he thinks, if things go well, it could happen.

Cibola begins that quest today in day one of the Division I State Tournament at the Prescott Valley Event Center, where 12 wrestlers will hope to continue onto Friday’s day two and compete for placement.

After what Jankowski described as a weird and lackadaisical practice Monday, the Raiders took a positive and serious turn the past two days.

“We kind of walked through a couple scenarios, and I think the kids finally realized there really is a shot,” Jankowski said. “There really is a shot at this.”

So, what is the Raiders’ path to a state championship?

It starts with Tommy Mommer, the two-time state champion at 220 pounds, who is looking to be Cibola’s first-ever threetime champ — this year, as a heavyweight.

“As weird as it is to say, that one’s in our pocket already,” Jankowski said of Mommer’s chances. “Obviously we still have to wrestle, but we’re counting on him.”

After that, with some tentative prognostication from Jankowski, in order to win it all, Cibola will probably be hoping for five wrestlers (including Mommer) in the state finals and six more to