Farrar siblings, four others win state wrestling titles

Kennedy & Cannon Farrar become the state's second siblings ever, to win state tournament championships in same year

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma area continues to put its stamp on the state of Arizona as one of the best wrestling hot spots in the state. In all, 26 area wrestlers posted finishes in the top six overall with a total of a half dozen claiming state championships.

Over the weekend, Gila Ridge's Kennedy and Cannon Farrar became the second sibling duo ever, to win a state title in the same year. They follow Yuma Catholic's Khel & Khyla Lipumano who first achieved the feat last year.

"No, I didn't know, I wasn't really thinking about that," Kennedy Farrar said. "We just went out there and wrestled."

Kennedy was the first to capture a state title for the duo as she recorded a fall in the third period wrestling in the 100 pound weight class in Division I. The win marked Kennedy's second state championship.

"It feels good, definitely, it feels good to be a two timer," Kennedy said.

While the win was gratifying, she said she was more focused on her brother Cannon who won his first state title just moments after.

"That was super exciting," Kennedy said. "That made like everything better, I wasn't really worried about myself but when he won, it like really, it felt good when Cannon won."

Cannon won by major decision decision 11-1 over his opponent in the 113 pound weight class to secure his first state title and etch the siblings into the state record books.

"I feel good," Cannon said. "I've been thinking about being a state champion all season, projecting every match, thinking about it. I feel good and feel like my whole season was accomplished."

The Hawks also had another top finisher in Daynah Gomez who placed third in the state wrestling at 114 pounds.

The Yuma Catholic Shamrocks had a fantastic showing as Khel Lipumano won his third state title wrestling at 120 pounds, Hunter Hancock won his second state title in the 157 pound class and freshman Kaliyah Molina won her first ever state title at 114.

As a team, the Shamrocks placed third overall with two state champions and six total state placers.

120 Khel Lipumano 1st (3rd title)

157 Hunter Hancock 1st (2nd title)

126 Javier Lopez 2nd

190 Bodee Ford 4th

138 Dylan Andrade 5th

150 Benton Beck 6th

The girls team also had a strong finish by placing third in the state which included one state champion and four total placers.

114 Kaliyah Molina 1st

107 Khyla Lipumano 2nd

100 Abigail Barfield 3rd

120 Jordyn Isla 5th

San Pasqual also has a three time state champion in Elias Espinoza, Leilene Orono came in second overall.

The Somerton Toros put up a strong fight and solidified they'll be a force for years to come. The boys finished ninth overall as a team and were led by Jayden Preston who lost in overtime in his state title bid at 108 pounds. Diego Felix finished with a fourth place finish at 128 pounds.

The Lady Toros finished 15th overall as a team and were led by Naylani Valdez who took home a third place finish at 120 pounds and Briella Reynoso who placed sixth overall at 126 pounds.

Other local wrestlers of note, For Kofa high school, Daniel Alire is the state runner up at 106 pounds in Division I, Roman Jaimes claimed a fourth place finish at 120 pounds, David Elias finished third overall at 132, Gael Moreno grabbed fourth place at 138 and Logan Whitacre came in with a 6th place finish at 175.

The Yuma Criminals sent five wrestlers to the state tournament. Jose Espinoza, Ernesto Duarte, Liam Felix, Estevan Romero and Jayden Anderson. Jayden Anderson brought home a third place finish in the 132 pounds class, Liam Felix finished sixth at 120 pounds.

"Jayden started crying a little becuase he just won his final match of his carer," Yuma head coach Jose Cazares Jr. said. "He told coach Tommy Hernandez and I thank you. He said he felt sad and we told him at least you finished the right way and it was a good career."

Antelope high school had two state placers with junior Jessi Donohue placing third in Division II at 185 lbs. and Senior Alaina Jaime placing 6th at 114 lbs.

Cibola sent Fabian Lopez and Alicia Valenzuela.

Congratulations to all of our area wrestlers on fantastic seasons and incredible careers. We wish you all nothing but the best.