The Falcon wrestling squad ended its winter break with a massive tournament in Prescott Valley over the weekend, qualifying five grapplers for the finals and producing one medalist in Peter Carillo.

According to head coach Luke Salzman, the local wrestlers were anxious to get back into action following their home meet back in early December.

“After three weeks off of competition, we were eager to get back on the mat and compete,” Salzman said.

“Early Friday morning [Dec. 3] we traveled up to Prescott Valley to Tim’s Toyota Center to compete in the Mile High Challenge Battle for the Buckle.”

A two-day event boasting a large number of grapplers, this event gave the Falcons a chance to get back into their groove for the second half of the season.

“This is one of the toughest tournaments in the state,” Salzman added.

“Three of the state champion teams out of four divisions were there, along with many of the best teams in Arizona, 33 total.”

After a grueling first day of competition, the Falcons qualified five grapplers for day two of the event, including Peter Carillo, Parker Kauffman, Kawika Reid, Sean Loving and Jack Reilly.

“Peter Carillo was our only medal placer,” Salzman said.

“The senior, at 195, wrestled a good tournament, placing sixth.”

Seniors Kawika Reid and Sean Loving were only one win away from placing, too.

Next up, the Falcons are set to compete this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10-11, at the Coolidge Invitational. According to coach Salzman, the 2014 portion of the season should give the Falcons a good challenge leading up to state.

“We have a busy month ahead of us,” he said.

“This was a great way to start it out. Our boys had a chance to wrestle and watch the best competition in the state.”