Posted January 13, 2025
Contact: Javi Bañuelos
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2025
DENVER – Abraham Lincoln High School is proud to continue the legacy of excellence in wrestling as it hosts the 40th Annual Les Mattocks Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, January 25, 2025. This prestigious event, one of the largest wrestling tournaments in Southwest Denver, will feature 31 teams from across Colorado, showcasing some of the state’s top wrestling talent.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Max Marquez, a former student-athlete of Les Mattocks himself, the Lancers are carrying forward the rich tradition of success in athletics. This year, Lincoln boasts three state-ranked wrestlers, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in high school wrestling.
Les Mattocks, a name synonymous with wrestling excellence, made a profound impact on the sport in Colorado. Serving as president of the Colorado Wrestling Coaches Association from 1999–2001, he also coached in the All-State Games in 2000 and 2004 and was honored as the Colorado Wrestling Man of the Year in 2000. Throughout his career, 83 of his wrestlers advanced to the state tournaments.
A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and the University of Northern Colorado, Mattocks began his coaching career at Denver South (1970–1975) before joining Lincoln as an assistant under Hall of Fame coach Joe Klune (1976–1980). He took over as head coach in 1981 and led the team to five Denver Public League championships, nine district titles, and multiple league runner-up finishes. He was named DPL Coach of the Year three times (1986, 2001, 2002).
In 2006, Mattocks received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. His dedication to the sport and his alma mater continues to inspire generations of wrestlers.
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