Taking the mat at the Dawg Fight Invitational in Dove Creek on Dec. 9, the Dove Creek High School wrestling team looked vastly different than it did last year, when it only suited up a single wrestler for most meets.

Leading the way for the Bulldogs was 113-pound newcomer Gage Bailey, who finished second overall with three pin victories and a second-round loss to Farmington High School’s Alex Rodriguez.

Also on the podium for Dove Creek was 152-pound senior Derek Kibel, who was pinned by Bayfield’s Cordell Ashcraft in his first match before rebounding with four straight victories.

Especially impressive for Kibel was a 4-1 decision victory over Ignacio’s Dustin Sanchez, which featured three periods of heady wrestling that sometimes the muscular Dove Creek senior last season.

“Going in to my match against (Sanchez), I knew he was going to be tough,” said Kibel, who gets as much information about his opponents as he can.

“The first period, we didn’t score, and I was kind of worried ... but I was able to wrestle smart and stick to what I know.”

Other Dove Creek wrestlers included 138-pound Austin Green, 145-pound Logan Meyers and 152-pound Will McKellips. They all suffered three straight losses and failed to pick up a win, but gained valuable experience.

Asked about the Bulldogs’ goals, Kibel explained that he hopes that the team can qualify one or two wrestlers for the state tournament.

“I’d like to win 30 matches and place at the state tournament,” Kibel said, “and since we didn’t have anybody at regionals or state last year, I’m not on anyone’s radar, I’d like to use that to my advantage.”

Next up for the Bulldogs will be the Pet and Ina Gomez Tournament, at John Mall High School in Walsenburg on Dec. 16.