The Falcon wrestling squad soared at the sectional tournament last week, qualifying five athletes for state and crowning three division champions in the process.

The team is now set to compete at state, which will be hosted out of Prescott Valley this Thursday and Friday, Feb. 9-10.

As for the Division IV Section III tournament last week, the Falcons hit the road to Mogollon high school for their first big event of the postseason. A total of 14 teams were represented at this outing.

“The tournament is to qualify for state,” head coach Luke Salzman explained. “The top four placers in the sectional tournament qualify in each weight class.”

The Falcons ended up taking fifth place overall, with five of their athletes qualifying for the final competition of the season.

“Our four seniors made the finals, which was pretty cool,” Salzman continued. “Making the finals in any tournament isn’t easy, but it means a little more when it is sectionals.”

Senior Daniel Butler placed second, coming up short of the top spot to his season rival, Titario Jones.

“They have had some really fun, close matches this year,” Salzman continued. “They might see each other again at state.”

Of the final group, three Falcons earned championship standing in their classes. Kainoa Reid won his bracket at 170 while Trevor Wedding won the top spot at 195.

“This was their first tournament to stand on top of the podium, which is pretty special,” Salzman added.

Parker Kauffman pinned his way to his third first place of the season and continued to dominate, going to the state tournament with a current record of 37-2, according to Salzman.

“Junior Wesley Smout also qualified for the state tournament with a third place finish,” Salzman said. “we are looking forward to the state tournament.”