Wrestler's win streak ends at 122

Gabe Burak thought he had recorded his 144th high school win Saturday at the Top of the Rockies tournament at Lafayette.

Burak, a 112-pounder at Coronado, was credited two points for his takedown of Brighton's Chris Martinez late in the third period of their championship match and led 8-7 as time expired.

But the win was erased and Burak's 122-match win streak was stopped cold when the referees took the takedown points away after a brief conversation. Their decision came about five minutes after the match had ended and gave Martinez a 7-6 victory.

"I've never seen it happen," said Matt Brickell, Coronado's wrestling coach of 17 years. "The referee told me that it was his gut feeling that Gabe should not have been allowed the points for the takedown. He didn't even have a reason for it. It was pretty pathetic."

Burak's record stands at 31-1 this season. It was his first loss since losing at state as a freshman. Burak won state titles at 103 pounds as a sophomore and junior. He was third in state as a freshman.

Burak was ranked No. 1 in the state going into the match. Martinez (29-0) was ranked No. 2. Burak is ranked second nationally.

"It was a tough call to make," Burak said. "Nobody likes to lose, but you learn from your losses. It will help me improve."

While Brickell is convinced Burak should have won, he concedes that his wrestler left some things to chance.

"You tell your kids, 'Don't leave the match up to the ref,' " Brickell said. "I think Gabe relaxed a little bit. But he knows what he's about. He behaved like a man when it was over."

Including a win Wednesday night, Burak has a career record of 144- 3 at Coronado (where he's in his third season) and Doherty (where he wrestled as a freshman). He said he is not planning to wrestle in college next year.

"I'm going to train at the Olympic Training Center and take some classes at (the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs)," Burak said. "There's obviously some really good coaches down at the OTC and they will help get me stronger for college, mentally and physically."

New competition

in Monument

Monument Academy will find out today if it is being accepted as a member of the Colorado High School Activities Association for the 2005-2006 year.

"I'm pretty sure we'll be approved," Monument Academy athletic director Mike Au-Claire said.

Monument Academy has students in kindergarten through 10th grade and is located at the Tri-Lakes Recreation Center in Monument. There are 58 students in the high school.

The school is fielding seven athletic teams this academic year: boys' and girls' cross country, boys' and girls' track, boys' and girls' basketball and volleyball.

The boys' and girls' basketball teams will play about 15 games each this season. They are playing as many varsity teams as possible.

On Tuesday, Monument Academy defeated The Classical Academy 55-44 in a boys' game. TCA played its freshman squad.

With CHSAA approval, Monument Academy will play a Class A independent schedule next season.

Theis back in lineup

Rampart's Austin Theis, a 6-foot-11 center, was cleared to return to action last Friday, despite two broken vertebrae in his back.

Theis scored 19 points in Rampart's 69-40 victory over Air Academy on Friday. On Tuesday, Theis had 18 points (including a 3-point basket) in a 67-61 victory over Doherty.

Rampart coach Dan McKiernan is glad to have the state's leading shot blocker back in the fold. Rampart lost the three previous games Theis missed.

"The doctor said he can't do any more damage so he gave him the go- ahead to play," McKiernan said. "After the season, he'll go on a strength and conditioning program."

Theis has committed to the University of Northern Colorado.

Cerise to Montana State

Cheyenne Mountain defensive lineman Ryan Cerise has committed to play football at Montana State. Cerise is expected to sign his national letter of intent Wednesday.

Liberty boys, girls receive

soccer honor Liberty's boys' and girls' soccer teams were named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Academic All- American team for a third straight year.

Liberty's teams are among eight schools in the nation that have received the award three consecutive years.

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