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COLORADO QUICK-TRIP ON VALENTINES DAY!

February 15, 2009 by Steve Elledge 

Vickie & I headed south for Fort Collins at 6:00 AM on Saturday, February 14, to watch grandson Nate’s senior year appearance in the Colorado High School Regional wrestling tournament – hosted this year by Fossil Ridge High School (Nates school) in Fort Collins.
* Nate won by pin his first match in the tournament on Friday the 13th so wasn’t scheduled to wrestle again until Saturday morning.
* We felt it would be easier on Sophie if we went down & back the same day so that she did not have to stay with a dog-sitter. The Lovato’s checked her often while we were there and even stayed with her a few hours. She played on their sympathies a little bit with her crying – Sophie knows the ropes!
* While en route we learned that Nate wasn’t scheduled until 11:30 AM so we were able to spend a little bit of time with Keegan and Courtney which was a nice bonus valentine for Grandma and Grandpa.
* Nate stuck the dude in his first match and advanced right away to the Championship round since he was the top seed. He is really a polished young wrestler and fun to watch – kind of like a technician, just get’s it done.
* Wendy & Tony were working concession and helping with the Tournament so during afternoon break Vic & I were able to spend some time with The B and Courtney, another bonus valentine for Grandma and Grandpa.
* Then came the big match – and Nate was up to it! He virtually manhandled his opponent. If I am not mistaken I believe that his was the first match on the championship mat that did not go a full three periods. The technician schooled his opponent and won the Regional Championship at 152 Lbs. WOW – another great valentine for Grandma and Grandpa. Seeing him on the championship platform during awards ceremony brought tears to this old boy’s eyes. He has sacrificed alot to get to this point. Next week is State in Denver – I know he will do fantastic – but regardless – there is no doubt Nate is a “winner” and a “champion”.
* BONUS valentine – seeing the pride and elation in both of his parents and his siblings. Great family unit – happy to have been a contributor in some small way!
* Fossil Ridge is a relatively new High School in Fort Collins and I “believe” that Nate has the distinction of being their first Regional Wrestling Champion in their history.
* Trip back to Wyoming interesting. Weather “iffy” all day. Left a few minutes after 8 PM – 12 miles North at Wellington we were turned around. I-25 was closed from there to Wyoming line – “slick roads and multiple accidents”. I asked the Fireman who was directing traffic how long they anticipated – his response was “several hours”.
* Drove back to Fort Collins – shot east to Ault – and headed up US 85 to Cheyenne. Slower obviously – but open and we made it. Cut back over to I-25 at Cheyenne and saw that the gates were still down – it was still closed heading South. We – turned North and got through all of the bad weather by the time we hit Chugwater (50 miles into Wyoming). The rest of the trip home was sweet & clear and the detour only added about an hour on to the trip.
* Sophie was very very glad we decided to come home. Cried like a baby (tears of joy I am hoping!) lol
* All in all – a super day! God Bless the Lovato’s for providing the dog care we needed and the Lecher’s for a fun day.