Two Summit Country wrestlers have qualified for the Class 4A Colorado state wrestling tournament in Denver from Thursday, Feb. 13, through Saturday, Feb. 15.

Sophomore Ayla Hampton won the 130-pound weight class at the 4A girls Region 2 tournament from Friday, Feb. 7, through Saturday, Feb. 8, in Gunnison.

Hampton made quick work of the bracket, defeating talented wrestlers on her way to being crowned the regional champ. The sophomore competes for Battle Mountain High School since Summit does not have a girls wrestling program.

“It means a lot to kind of set a trademark for Summit and Battle Mountain — proving that there are girls that can do it and that I am just one of many to come,” Hampton said.

With a record of 23-3, Hampton is the top seed in the 4A girls 130-pound weight class in the state tournament. Although Hampton recognizes that being the top-seeded wrestler carries some pressure, the sophomore is laser focused on competing at the state tournament.

“I think there is pressure whether you are first or you are last,” Hampton said. “There is definitely a little bit of pressure there, but that just makes me want it more and want to defend it more, too.”

After not placing in her debut at the state tournament last winter, Hampton has a goal of placing in the top spots this year.

“It is a big goal of mine to place in the state tournament,” Hampton said. “Last year wasn’t my best state year — so just coming back and having a good comeback. Last year I was like the last seed, and this year I am the first. It is a big step up.”

Beyond her own goals and aspirations for the state wrestling meet, Hampton also expressed excitement at the opportunity to display that Summit County has the capability of producing state-championship level, female wrestlers.

“Even though I wrestle for Battle Mountain, Summit is always going to be who I consider my team,” Hampton said. “I think that winning regionals and representing both teams at state could be a great start to having a girls team here — showing that it should be a thing and that the girls team here is effective.”

Hampton is slated to face Fort Morgan’s Amarae Venegas in the first round of the tournament at Ball Arena on Thursday.

Hampton will be joined by fellow Summit High School classmate James “JD” Danielson. The freshman placed third overall in the 113-pound weight class at the 4A boys Region 2 wrestling tournament at Mead High School on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Danielson was hopeful that he would win the tournament outright, but after failing to win his first match, Danielson was forced to fight through the loser’s side of the bracket in order to secure a state championship berth.

“I wanted to take first, but things happen,” Danielson said. “I do not think my mindset was perfect going into my first match. I was a little nervous. I lost, but I put up a good fight. It gave me this fire.”

Danielson ultimately defeated Mead’s Trey Tatham in the third-place match to advance to his first state tournament.

“It means a lot,” Danielson said. “Wrestling is my favorite thing in the world. It has been my sport since I was 6 years old. It feels amazing to show out and give Summit a name.”

Danielson (28-8) is scheduled to wrestle Mountain View High School freshman Cameron Cosner (16-19) in the first round of the tournament on Thursday afternoon.

For up to date results from the state tournament, visit ChsaaNow.com