ØGolden, Colo. – In one of the toughest regions in Division II wrestling, Adams State rose to the occasion.

Behind three individual champions, two runner-up finishes and a clutch third-place performance, the Grizzlies are sending six wrestlers to the NCAA Division II Championships after a statement showing at the Region VI Championships hosted by Colorado School of Mines. Adams State finished second overall in the team standings, stacking points throughout the bracket and sending six wrestlers to nationals.

It started at 125 pounds, where Isaiah Gamez, the RMAC Wrestler of the Year, wrestled with control from the opening whistle. He won all three of his matches by fall in a combined 10 minutes on the mat. Gamez capped his run with a championship performance, claiming the Region VI title and punching his ticket back to nationals.

At 133 pounds, Jakob Romero followed with a dominant showing of his own. After securing a fall in the second round, Romero earned back-to-back 4-1 decisions to claim the regional crown and return to nationals for the second straight year.

Aaden Valdez made it three champions for the Grizzlies at 157 pounds. The third-place finisher at last year's national championships, Valdez put together one of the most complete tournaments of the day. He recorded four bonus-point wins — two tech falls, a major decision and a fall — to secure another regional title and deliver key points in the team race.

The Grizzlies' success extended beyond the top of the podium.

At 141 pounds, Kieran Thompson powered his way into the championship match. He opened with a major decision and followed with two straight decisions to reach the final before finishing as runner-up after an 8-0 major decision in the title bout.

Angel Flores matched that effort at 149 pounds. Flores earned a major decision, a decision and a tech fall to advance to the finals, where he placed second after a 14-5 major decision. His runner-up finish locked in another national berth for Adams State.

At 197 pounds, Benjamin Tønnessen delivered one of the day's grittiest performances. After dropping a 4-1 decision in the second round, Tonnessen battled through the wrestlebacks — competing in two more matches than the other qualifiers — and responded with four consecutive wins to claim third place. His finish secured Adams State's sixth national qualifier and provided critical team points.

Also contributing valuable points were Malachi Rider, who placed fourth at 165 pounds, and Jaylen Ignacio, who finished sixth at 285 pounds.

With six qualifiers, three regional champions and a second-place team finish, Adams State now turns its focus to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D., on March 13-14. The Grizzlies head to nationals with momentum and depth across multiple weight classes.