Travis Masse, Broomfield wrestling coach: Could he get life sentence for student sex assault?

Travis Masse.

Former Broomfield High School wrestling coach Travis Masse's defense against accusations of sexually assaulting a student -- he claimed that he sent thousands of explicit texts but didn't act on them -- failed to convince a jury. He's been found guilty and faces a mandatory life sentence, albeit one that makes him eligible for parole in eight years.

The Boulder Daily Camera notes that several of Masse's onetime students testified about exchanging "raunchy" text messages with the coach and teacher. Included among them was a young woman who said the texts, numbering an astonishing 9,000 between late 2008 and early 2009, started when she was fifteen and included nude pics. She said they later had sexual contact at a reservoir and a trio of wrestling tourneys.

Masse, testifying in his own defense, admitted to the texts but denied having sex with the student, now nineteen. And the jury apparently wrestled with this contradiction, taking four days to reach a guilty verdict. Now, Masse faces a July 21 sentencing hearing, and the prospect of a long, long time in stir.

Look below to see a CBS4 report about the sentencing, as well as a Daily Camera voice recording of the victim's father reacting to the decision.

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