Aurora Prepares for Thrilling 2026 Class 5A Girls Wrestling Tournament

The 2026 Class 5A girls state wrestling tournament is set to take place at Ball Arena in Denver from February 19 to 21, 2026. This year, all six Aurora programs—Eaglecrest, Overland, Regis Jesuit, Smoky Hill, Vista PEAK Prep, and newcomer Aurora Central—will be represented, showcasing a total of 23 qualifiers, a slight decrease from last year.

Eaglecrest leads the local contingent with 12 qualifiers, followed by Overland and Vista PEAK Prep with three each. Both Aurora Central and Regis Jesuit secured two spots, while Smoky Hill has one athlete competing. The tournament will kick off with the first round and quarterfinals running simultaneously with the boys’ tournaments.

February 19 will see the first round and quarterfinals held between 17:00 and 21:00 on 12 mats. The following day, consolation matches will occur from 13:15 to 16:30, leading into semifinals at 18:00. The finals will take place on February 21, commencing with consolation semifinals at 09:00, followed by fifth and third-place matches. Doors will open at 15:00 for spectators, leading into a 16:00 Parade of Champions.

All 14 weight classes in the Class 5A girls state tournament will feature at least one wrestler from the Aurora area, with several categories boasting multiple qualifiers. Notably, the 170-pound and 235-pound classes each have three local competitors, including Eaglecrest’s senior Parice Jones, Overland’s junior Jackelyne Torreblanca Oseguera, and Regis Jesuit’s freshman Alexandra Zimmerer in the 170-pound category.

Prominent wrestling analyst Tom Blair has forecasted that six Aurora wrestlers could make it to the medal podium. Among those highlighted are defending state champions Remington Zimmerer from Regis Jesuit at 120 pounds and Amelia Bacon from Vista PEAK Prep at 125 pounds. Blair anticipates both will secure victories over their challengers, while Jones and Brenna Brummet are expected to reach the finals in their respective weight classes.

Among the local qualifiers, five wrestlers are coming off regional championships, all from Region 2 at Lewis-Palmer High School. Eaglecrest’s trio of bracket winners includes Maxime Lantz at 140 pounds, Olivia Fabbricatore at 145 pounds, and Parice Jones at 170 pounds. Additionally, Zimmerer and Bacon each won their regional titles.

Notably, Bacon enters the tournament with a remarkable career record of 43-0, making her one of nine undefeated wrestlers in the Class 5A girls state tournament. She is also among five returning state placers from last year’s tournament, alongside other notable competitors from Eaglecrest and Regis Jesuit.

The family connection remains strong in this year’s tournament. Amelia Bacon has a twin brother, Ian, competing in the Class 5A boys 120-pound bracket. Both siblings won regional championships this season and were state champions last year.

As Aurora’s wrestling programs gear up for the tournament, there is a sense of anticipation among fans and participants alike. The breakdown of qualifiers includes nine seniors, eight juniors, four sophomores, and two freshmen, showcasing a blend of experience and promising talent. Aurora’s wrestling community looks forward to an exciting showdown as they compete for state titles and recognition on the mat.