Senior Ruelas named state champ

By Ian C. Beck ’12
THE ROUNDUP

Senior wrestler Tadeo Ruelas ’10 earned an individual state champion title at 130 pounds Feb. 18, becoming the first Brophy wrestler to ever place at state three times in his career.

Ruelas placed fifth as a sophomore, fifth as a junior and most recently placed first. He is also just the second state champion in the history of Brophy wrestling.

Nine Broncos qualified for state, according to Head coach Mr. Brad Frank, and five of them won individual medals.

Kevin Molloy ’11 placed sixth at 145 pounds, Paul Wirth ’11 placed fifth at 171 pounds, Marshall Varner ’13 took fifth at 140 pounds and Paul Looper ’10 came in second at 135 pounds.

According to Mr. Frank, Looper battled back from a 4-1 deficit to tie the score at six, forcing overtime but he was taken down with just a few seconds left in overtime, losing out to a three-time state champion.

The wrestlers compete in the team state tournament this weekend, Feb. 20-21.