PARK CITY, Kan. – At the NCAA Division II Wrestling tournament hosted at Hartman Arena, all members of the Adams State University wrestling team have clinched All-America status. Following the completion of the opening day on Friday, Isaiah Gamez, Angel Flores, and Aaden Valdez remain in contention.

Each of the three Grizzlies experienced a setback on Friday, with Gamez and Valdez contributing 4.5 team points each, while Flores, who contested an additional pigtail match, amassed 5.5 points.

Starting in the 125-pound category, Isaiah Gamez secured victory in his opening match with an 8-6 decision over Trevon Gray of Pitt-Johnstown. However, in the quarterfinal, James Joplin of Lander maintained his flawless season record with a 13-4 major decision over Gamez. Gamez bounced back in the consolation round, clinching a 4-2 decision over Conor Knopick of St. Cloud State.

Competing in the 141-pound category, Angel Flores faced a narrow 8-6 defeat to Corey Gamet of Lake Erie in the pigtail round. However, he rallied with a dominant 14-4 major decision over Mason Myers of Pitt-Johnstown, followed by a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Colton Stoneking of Fairmont State. Flores capped off the night with a 12-7 decision over Cayden Henschel of Wisconsin-Parkside.

In the 165-pound category, Aaden Valdez commenced with a commanding 6-0 shutout victory over Brady Ross of Glenville State. However, Lander's David Hunsberger secured a 7-4 win over Valdez before he rebounded with a thrilling 6-3 sudden-victory triumph over Nebraska-Kearney's Kaden Hart.

With their sights set on Saturday, the Grizzlies aim to ascend the podium as high as possible.