Silver Knights come up short against the Wizards on Senior Night

A total of nine (9) Seniors were honored on Senior Night, including two (2) managers, one (1) member of the girls team and six (6) members of the boys team. From Left to Right Kaitlyn Johnson, Grace Hirsch, Faith Vondy, Reed Green, Aiden Wiggins, George Griffenhagen, Nathan King, Brayden Baker and Josh Abram.

Severance High School was the site of an electrifying clash between the Silver Knights and their storied in-town rivals, the Windsor Wizards on Thursday evening. While the Wizards ultimately came away with the victory, 39-24, the night belonged to the young wrestlers of Severance, who displayed heart, skill, and determination, especially during an incredible opening stretch of matches.

A Strong Start: Severance Shines in the First Six Matches

106 lbs: Simon Carter Simon Carter kicked off the night with a hard-fought win against Owen Schaefer, grinding out a 6-3 decision. Carter’s dominant riding position and technical control along with strategic takedowns and strong defense set the tone for the Silver Knights, earning them the first points of the dual.

113 lbs: Tatum Garcia Tatum Garcia put on a clinic, dominating Mason Raben with a relentless attack that resulted in a technical fall (19-3) at 4:48. Garcia’s ability to chain moves together and rack up near fall points was a masterclass in control and precision.

120 lbs: Jaxon Felker Jaxon Felker added to the momentum with a commanding major decision (10-1) over Luke Stewart. Felker’s aggressive style and relentless pressure kept his opponent on the defensive throughout the match.

The crowd was ELECTRIC and pumped when Drake Vombaur took yet another bonus point match, making it four matches in a row Severance had won!

126 lbs: Drake VomBaur Drake VomBaur showed why he’s one of the top wrestlers in his weight class, overwhelming Maddox Lechman with a technical fall (18-3) in just 4:24. VomBaur’s quick transitions and pinpoint takedowns were nothing short of spectacular.

132 lbs: Dennis Campos Dennis Campos followed with a strong performance, securing a 10-3 decision against Ethan Tillinghast. Campos maintained control throughout the match, using smart positioning and effective takedowns to keep the Wizards at bay.

138 lbs: Lane Swarts In one of the most thrilling matches of the evening, Lane Swarts battled Oskar Carlson in a back-and-forth showdown. Swarts ultimately came out on top with a 17-10 decision, showcasing his resilience and ability to score in key moments.

The Turning Point

Despite Severance’s fiery start, the Wizards found their rhythm in the later matches, picking up key victories to turn the tide. Wrestlers like Brody Ridenour (144 lbs) and Reed Green (150 lbs) put up strong fights, but close decisions went Windsor’s way.

165 lbs: Jake Mitchell wrestled valiantly but was caught in a pin at 2:40, giving Windsor crucial momentum. The Wizards capitalized on their depth in the upper weights, securing victories at 175 lbs, 190 lbs, 215 lbs, and 285 lbs to close out the dual.

Takeaways from the Dual

While the Silver Knights fell short on the scoreboard, the heart and skill they displayed on the mat cannot be overstated. From Simon Carter’s gritty decision and Jaxon Felker's dedication to impose his will on his opponent, to Denis and Tatum’s technical brilliance and Drake VomBaur’s dominant performance, Severance proved they are a team to watch.

🎤 “The Silver Knights may have lost the battle, but they won the respect of everyone in the gym last night. This team is young, hungry, and coming for the top.”

Looking Ahead

This dual was a chapter in the growing legacy of Severance Wrestling. With each match, these athletes are sharpening their skills and building a foundation for future success and a real potential run at team dominance at the upcoming regional and state tournaments. The rivalry with Windsor is alive and well, and the Silver Knights are only getting stronger.

The boys head off tomorrow for the two-day (1/17-1/18) Top of the Rockies Tournament to test their mettle against the best in the state without classification restrictions. Stay tuned as this team prepares for its next challenge and continues to show why they are a rising force in Colorado wrestling. Go Knights!