FORT LUPTON – Things are never easy at a state tournament in any sport.
    In Derek Salinas’ case at the recent state wrestling tournament, that axiom was true on two counts.

    Salinas, a senior 119-pounder, finished third. He did so after losing his first-round match to Timothy Urenda of Pueblo South, then winning five matches in a row.
    “Yes, I think it means more making my way to third on the consolation side,” Salinas said. “I kept telling myself not to give up and just to try my hardest.”
Urenda won the state title as a 112-pounder in 2010. Some felt Salinas and Urenda should have squared off later in the tournament.
    “The seedings were the brackets were really jacked up,” Salinas said. “My whole side of the bracket was stacked with the best kids in the state. So yeah, it did bother me a lot that I had to wrestle him first.”
    Salinas came on strong in the last half of the season. His surge started at the Top of the Rockies tournament in late January, where he finished in the top four. He finished his season with the third-place showing at the state tournament and a third-place effort at the regional meet at Thompson Valley High School.
    “Well, I knew that after I placed in the top four at Top of the Rockies, I knew I would be able to do the same at state,” Salinas said. “So I just tried my hardest every match.”
    Salinas won 49 of 56 matches this year. He finished with 54 takedowns, seven escapes and 19 reversals.
    He was 31-14 in 2010 and took third at the regional meet. Two years ago, he was 23-9 and finished second at regionals. He finished his varsity career with 107 wins.
    “I was very pleased with my season,” Salinas said. “This was by far the best season I have ever had in my whole high school career. And I finished off strong.”
    Salinas’ first thoughts for life after high school are to head to a community college for two years and then transfer to a university. But he’s also weighing the options of attending Colby (Kan.) Community College to continue his wrestling. Former Fort Lupton wrestler Fabian Guerrero, who attends Colby CC, qualified for the national junior college wrestling tournament this year.
    And that’s not all.
    “I’ve always wanted to do MMA (mixed martial arts),” Salinas said. “After I finish with my schooling, I am definitely going to think about doing MMA.”
    But between now and then, he wants to finish high school and do some reflecting.
    “I learned how to grow up and be successful in life and to chase your dreams,” Salinas said. “Because one day, you will get what you’ve always wanted.”
    “I want to thank everyone who has supported me this season,” he continued. “To the family, coaches, friends, friends’ parents and the community – thank you.”

Contact Steve Smith at ssmith@metrowestnewspapers.com or at 303-659-2522, ext. 224.