The second week of February is known for many things. It is right in the middle of Black History Month; those in relationships are finding what they want to do for Valentine's Day, and the athletes who have put themselves on the line since November learning one of the world's oldest sports earn their way to Ball Arena.
Over 1,300 high school wrestlers across all classifications, now featuring small school and big school Girls divisions, have been toeing the Dollamur mats in the home of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche in Downtown Denver. The culmination of their hard work takes place tonight. Since my time as an athlete, the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament has been held in high regard, creating an unmistakable energy that engulfs all spectators and wrestlers.
A Historic Tradition: Colorado’s State Wrestling Tournament
The first state wrestling tournament occurred in 1936, marking the end of the inaugural season. Over the decades, only four venues have housed this grappling extravaganza:
- 1936 - early 1970s: Denver Auditorium Arena
- 1970s - 1980s: Currigan Hall
- 1980s - 1999: McNichols Sports Arena
- 2000 - Present: Ball Arena (formerly Pepsi Center)
When the Kroenke family took over in the late 1990s, they envisioned a new, long-term home for the tournament. Ball Arena has now hosted the event for 25 consecutive years, making it the second-longest running host site in tournament history.
Wrestling’s Unique Format in Colorado
Unlike other states, Colorado classifies athletes by school enrollment size:
- Boys Divisions: 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A
- Girls Divisions: Small School & Big School
Each season is a proving ground for legends, thanks to the double-elimination format. Wrestlers looking for a state championship must win four matches in a row, but if they lose, only the mentally tough can battle back through the bracket.
In the 89-year history of the tournament:
- Only 26 male wrestlers and one female wrestler have ever won four straight state championships.
- Tonight, 84 new individual state champions will be crowned in front of 20,000+ passionate fans.
A Personal Connection to Wrestling
Every year, this tournament reminds me of my own journey in wrestling. I started wrestling at four years old, following in the footsteps of my Uncle Pat Decamillis, a three-time state champion. While football played a major role in my life, wrestling shaped me into the person I am today—thanks to many great mentors, but one man in particular.
The Legacy of Coach Ray Barron
One of the most influential figures in Colorado wrestling history was Coach Ray Barron. His impact on the sport was legendary, spanning decades and multiple schools.
A Hall of Fame Career
Coach Barron, a Hinkley High School (Aurora) graduate, wrestled at what is now Northern Colorado University before dedicating his life to coaching. His career took him to:
- Fort Lupton High School (CO)
- Worland High School (WY)
- Heritage High School (CO) – 1980-2014
- Columbine High School (CO) – 2015-2020
During his 40+ years in coaching, Coach Barron and his wife, Jane ("Mama Barron"), built an unmatched legacy that shaped generations of athletes. His children, Jen and Luke, continued his impact in Colorado wrestling. Jen now runs a foundation in his honor:
Ray Barron Strength & Honor Fund
My Time Under Coach Barron
My journey with Coach Barron began when I attended Heritage High School. I was drawn to its small-school atmosphere and the trusted coaching staff, which included Barron and Coach Mike Griebel (football). Those seasons under their leadership remain some of my fondest memories in athletics.
Unfortunately, in 2014, a new principal and athletic director at Heritage dismantled the culture that had defined the school for over 30 years, leading to the controversial firing of both Griebel and Barron. With confusion and disappointment surrounding the program, I ultimately transferred back to my home school.
The Final Years & Unbreakable Spirit
Despite the setback, Barron’s coaching reputation meant he wouldn’t be unemployed for long. He soon joined Columbine High School, where he mentored a new generation of wrestlers.
In 2020, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Yet, instead of stepping away, he pushed forward. That year, two of his wrestlers, Jack Forbes and Zach Schrader, won state titles—with Schrader’s heavyweight championship serving as a powerful farewell moment for Barron.
In a tradition symbolizing retirement, Coach Barron walked to the center of the mat, placed his wrestling shoes down, and exited with his head held high. He fought his illness with the same tenacity he instilled in his athletes, battling for eight more months before passing in October 2020.
Remembering Coach Barron’s Impact
Every wrestling season, as my own team prepares for regionals, Coach Barron’s lessons come flooding back. Losing great men like him is painful, but his legacy reminds us:
- True success isn’t in accolades but in the people we uplift.
- Living by your principles is the greatest legacy.
Coach Ray Barron was more than a coach. He changed lives, shaped countless wrestlers, and proved that being authentically yourself while making the world a better place is the highest honor.
