The Fossil Ridge High School wrestling team had their first postseason meet on Saturday, January 30, competing in the 5A Front Range Conference Tournament at Poudre High School.

The tournament contained 14 schools, making it one of the largest meets the Sabercats competed in all year. The Sabercats inexperience showed, as they finished the tournament in 10th place. However, Fossil had several wrestlers find success in their respective weight categories. Charlie Tishowski finished fourth in the 113 pounds weight class, and Connor Jacquot also took fourth in the 170 pounds category.

This was a learning experience for many of the Fossil wrestlers, including senior Jacob Lloyd. Despite being a senior, Lloyd had just joined the wrestling team this year. He finds himself learning and growing alongside many of the underclassmen. The team tried not to measure themselves based on wins and losses, instead measuring by their growth and enjoyment of the sport.

“It’s been really fun, I’m enjoying myself. I might not have won every match, but it’s still pretty awesome, I love it,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd and the rest of the Sabercats will now look towards the Regional Tournament on February 11-12 at Fruita Monument High School. Lloyd is prepared for the meet, approaching the upcoming tournament with ferocity and grit.

“You have to be intense, if you’re not intense then you’re not in the right mindset. If you’re not going out there [and competing] from the beginning, chances are you aren’t going to win…I don’t have high standards, but my goal is to win the first match,” Lloyd said.