Frank's the name at Roosevelt

Scott Stocker, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 20, 2007 at midnight

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LAFAYETTE - Frankly speaking, it is a family affair for the Roosevelt wrestling team. As it turns out, the Frank family makes up more than 25 percent of the team for Class 3A's top- ranked Roughriders.

Brothers Dan and Tim Frank hold down the weight brackets at 125 and 152 pounds, respectively, while their cousins Dustin and Derek are at 215 and 285.

Roosevelt is one of three No. 1-ranked teams participating in the 29-team Top of the Rockies wrestling tournament at Centaurus High School. Also in the field are Class 5A No. 1 Ponderosa and Alamosa, 4A's top team.

The tournament also features 151 wrestlers from Colorado who ranked within the top 15 by On The Mat. Top teams and wrestlers from Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico also are competing.

Despite the tough competition, the Franks made immediate statements.

With Dan, Dustin and Derek Frank coming through with three pins in the first round, Roosevelt took the first-round team lead.

Dan Frank was first out for Roosevelt and pinned Brighton's Isaiah Lucero in 2 minutes, 43 seconds. Dustin followed and shouldered Prairie View's Nate Cabole in 1:03. It took Derek only 1:40 to pin Pueblo South's Jeremiah Valesquez. Tim had a first-round bye.

For the Franks, the bloodlines are strong. Roosevelt coach Mike Pallotto coached their dads, Gary (Dan and Tim) and Ron (Dustin and Derek), when they were in high school.

"We've been together since we were little and always involved in wrestling," said Tim (22-2 and ranked No. 1 at his weight in 3A). "It's just natural that we root for each other and help each other out.

"While they say we make up 25 percent of the team, our whole team is family, and that's what makes the experience so good for us."

It is that attitude that makes an impression on their coach.

"It's been such a pleasure to coach these kids," Pallotto said. "They are wrestling pretty well right now. I don't know if we are really No. 1, as we lost our dual with Brush (ranked No. 2). As a team, I think we are wrestling better in tournaments than duals, and that's what it takes at the end.

"These kids know how to compete and they have paid the price for their success. They are hard-nosed, mentally tough and love the sport."

For the Franks, wrestling never seems to end. Dan, No. 2 at 125, and Tim have wrestling mats in their basement. Dustin, ranked No. 4, and sophomore Derek (unranked) have mats at their dad's workplace.

"Tim and I work out almost all the time, so it seems," Dan said. "It's neat to be able to do with our cousins and see them every day and enjoy the overall closeness on our team. I don't feel the pressure with the rankings; they matter little. It's all about how you wrestle at the end that counts."

Tim and Dustin said they enjoy being able to take on their younger brothers in the practice room.

"We can certainly let off some steam and take down some of our frustrations," Dustin said. "The loss to Brush really opened our eyes, but I think it's one that will help us get ready for the regional and state tournaments. There are no guarantees, and we will just have to go out and wrestle harder."

There were no big upsets in Friday's first two rounds. Competition resumes at 8:30 a.m. today; championships are set for 6 p.m.

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