Brandon High School (FL) dominated the competition this weekend with 398.5 points and won its 19th consecutive Tony Ippolito Memorial Tournament. Florida’s class 2A – #1-ranked Springstead Eagles came up short, finishing in 2nd-place with 267.5 points.
“I don’t think there was much question or doubt that we weren’t going to win this thing,” Brandon coach Russ Cozart said. “We have a great team. We’re ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation, we’re coming off The Clash tournament in Minnesota. Our guys are progressing really well.”
Brandon had 10 Individual Champions (11 finalists) and Tyler Libertore ran his overall record to 39-0 and won one of the two outstanding wrestler awards handed out Saturday night by the family of Tony Ippolito. Rossi Bruno won the other as he defeated Springstead’s Virgil Toms 7-2 at 130 pounds, Liberatore (135) edged Springstead’s Nick Soto 4-3 in the finals.
103 Results
1st Place – Richard Bliss of SPRINGSTEAD
2nd Place – Devan Berian of BRANDON
3rd Place – Ronny Whitt of MANATEE
4th Place – Sha`von Flowers of CHAMBERLAIN
5th Place – Nico Lamoureux of JESUIT
6th Place – Austin Luke of CLAY 1st Place Match
Richard Bliss of SPRINGSTEAD won by tech fall over Devan Berian of BRANDON in 0:00 17-2. 3rd Place Match
Ronny Whitt of MANATEE won by major decision over Sha`von Flowers of CHAMBERLAIN 16-8. 5th Place Match
Nico Lamoureux of JESUIT won by decision over Austin Luke of CLAY 11-4.
112 Results
1st Place – James Flint of BRANDON
2nd Place – Jordan Rivera of SPRINGSTEAD
3rd Place – William Joyce of PLANT CITY
4th Place – J.P. Gamez of PASCO
5th Place – Kenan Kucukozman of NORTH PORT
6th Place – Chase Singletary of TAMPA BAY CHRISTIAN 1st Place Match
James Flint of BRANDON won by pin over Jordan Rivera of SPRINGSTEAD in 1:57. 3rd Place Match
William Joyce of PLANT CITY won by decision over J.P. Gamez of PASCO 10-6. 5th Place Match
Kenan Kucukozman of NORTH PORT won by decision over Chase Singletary of TAMPA BAY CHRISTIAN 8-4.
119 Results
1st Place – Victor Fugate of BRANDON
2nd Place – Sean Ware of NORTH PORT
3rd Place – Josh Douglas of CELEBRATION
4th Place – Bobby Waites of CLAY
5th Place – David Nguyen of ROBINSON
6th Place – Anthony Puig of CHAMBERLAIN 1st Place Match
Victor Fugate of BRANDON won by pin over Sean Ware of NORTH PORT in 2:38. 3rd Place Match
Josh Douglas of CELEBRATION won by tech fall over Bobby Waites of CLAY in 0:00 17-2. 5th Place Match
David Nguyen of ROBINSON won by decision over Anthony Puig of CHAMBERLAIN 5-3.
125 Results
1st Place – Kevin Norstrem of BRANDON
2nd Place – Sean Redman of SPRINGSTEAD
3rd Place – Christian Dominguez of JESUIT
4th Place – Kevin Carter of FT. PIERCE CENTRAL
5th Place – Cole Murray of NORTH PORT
6th Place – Corey Grey of LIBERTY 1st Place Match
Kevin Norstrem of BRANDON won by major decision over Sean Redman of SPRINGSTEAD 11-1. 3rd Place Match
Christian Dominguez of JESUIT won by pin over Kevin Carter of FT. PIERCE CENTRAL in 4:52. 5th Place Match
Cole Murray of NORTH PORT won by pin over Corey Grey of LIBERTY in 4:03.
130 Results
1st Place – Rossi Bruno of BRANDON
2nd Place – Virgil Toms of SPRINGSTEAD
3rd Place – Felix Betancourt of LIBERTY
4th Place – Marshall Stewart of MANATEE
5th Place – Roger Phillips of CHAMBERLAIN
6th Place – Austin Vajen of BARON COLLIER 1st Place Match
Rossi Bruno of BRANDON won by decision over Virgil Toms of SPRINGSTEAD 7-2. 3rd Place Match
Felix Betancourt of LIBERTY won by pin over Marshall Stewart of MANATEE in 4:30. 5th Place Match
Roger Phillips of CHAMBERLAIN won by decision over Austin Vajen of BARON COLLIER 4-3.
135 Results
1st Place – Tyler Liberatore of BRANDON
2nd Place – Nick Soto of SPRINGSTEAD
3rd Place – Michael Reagor of BLOOMINGDALE
4th Place – Eric Bach of TAMPA PREP
5th Place – D.j. Macyke of BARON COLLIER
6th Place – Alex Anderson of FT. PIERCE CENTRAL 1st Place Match
Tyler Liberatore of BRANDON won by decision over Nick Soto of SPRINGSTEAD 4-3. 3rd Place Match
Michael Reagor of BLOOMINGDALE won by decision over Eric Bach of TAMPA PREP 3-2. 5th Place Match
D.j. Macyke of BARON COLLIER won by decision over Alex Anderson of FT. PIERCE CENTRAL 7-2.
140 Results
1st Place – Cody Ross of SPRINGSTEAD
2nd Place – Alexander Doran of MANATEE
3rd Place – Sean Dulom of SARASOTA
4th Place – Brice Jones of BRANDON
5th Place – Jason Wojcik of CLAY
6th Place – Jake Ferrara of WELLINGTON 1st Place Match
Cody Ross of SPRINGSTEAD won by decision over Alexander Doran of MANATEE 7-3. 3rd Place Match
Sean Dulom of SARASOTA won by pin over Brice Jones of BRANDON in 2:16. 5th Place Match
Jason Wojcik of CLAY won by injury default over Jake Ferrara of WELLINGTON.
145 Results
1st Place – Travis Berridge of BRANDON
2nd Place – JJ Francis of CELEBRATION
3rd Place – Jacob Bain of CLAY
4th Place – Nissan Anderson of EAST BAY
5th Place – Collin Bachi of WELLINGTON
6th Place – Michael Grimmett of ROBINSON 1st Place Match
Travis Berridge of BRANDON won by major decision over JJ Francis of CELEBRATION 10-2. 3rd Place Match
Jacob Bain of CLAY won by decision over Nissan Anderson of EAST BAY 11-8. 5th Place Match
Collin Bachi of WELLINGTON won by injury default over Michael Grimmett of ROBINSON.
152 Results
1st Place – Clark Glass of BRANDON
2nd Place – Shawn Landgraff of SPRINGSTEAD
3rd Place – Nick Popolillo of WESLEY CHAPEL
4th Place – Anthony Cimino of JESUIT
5th Place – Josh Garcia of LIBERTY
6th Place – James Maggert of WHARTON 1st Place Match
Clark Glass of BRANDON won by pin over Shawn Landgraff of SPRINGSTEAD in 2:49. 3rd Place Match
Nick Popolillo of WESLEY CHAPEL won by decision over Anthony Cimino of JESUIT 6-5. 5th Place Match
Josh Garcia of LIBERTY won by major decision over James Maggert of WHARTON 13-2.
160 Results
1st Place – Wally Figaro of BRANDON
2nd Place – Casey Soileau of CLAY
3rd Place – Josh Coleman of LINCOLN
4th Place – Thomas Gupton of SPRINGSTEAD
5th Place – Bobby Werdell of NORTH PORT
6th Place – Christian Padilla of ROBINSON 1st Place Match
Wally Figaro of BRANDON won by tech fall over Casey Soileau of CLAY in 0:00 15-0. 3rd Place Match
Josh Coleman of LINCOLN won by pin over Thomas Gupton of SPRINGSTEAD in 0:30. 5th Place Match
Bobby Werdell of NORTH PORT won by major decision over Christian Padilla of ROBINSON 12-3.
171 Results
1st Place – Kyle Koziel of BRANDON
2nd Place – Morquez Forest of EAST BAY
3rd Place – Cody Woolam of LINCOLN
4th Place – Freddie Ruiz of LIBERTY
5th Place – John Waughtel of CLAY
6th Place – Lane Ory of BLOOMINGDALE 1st Place Match
Kyle Koziel of BRANDON won by pin over Morquez Forest of EAST BAY in 2:44. 3rd Place Match
Cody Woolam of LINCOLN won by pin over Freddie Ruiz of LIBERTY in 4:18. 5th Place Match
John Waughtel of CLAY won by injury default over Lane Ory of BLOOMINGDALE.
189 Results
1st Place – Mike Ettore of BRANDON
2nd Place – Aric Fernandez of LIBERTY
3rd Place – Demetriua Hill of HILLSBOROUGH
4th Place – Brandon Fountain of CLAY
5th Place – Cameron Ward of CELEBRATION
6th Place – Carlos Martinez of NORTH PORT 1st Place Match
Mike Ettore of BRANDON won by pin over Aric Fernandez of LIBERTY in 5:27. 3rd Place Match
Demetriua Hill of HILLSBOROUGH won by pin over Brandon Fountain of CLAY in 5:59. 5th Place Match
Cameron Ward of CELEBRATION won by decision over Carlos Martinez of NORTH PORT 8-5.
215 Results
1st Place – Alton Meeks of BOONE
2nd Place – Ben Richards of HILLSBOROUGH
3rd Place – Lorenzo Martinez of BRANDON
4th Place – Brandon Lustgarten of WELLINGTON
5th Place – Justin Fountain of CLAY
6th Place – Conrad Jones of WHARTON 1st Place Match
Alton Meeks of BOONE won by decision over Ben Richards of HILLSBOROUGH 9-2. 3rd Place Match
Lorenzo Martinez of BRANDON won by decision over Brandon Lustgarten of WELLINGTON 3-1. 5th Place Match
Justin Fountain of CLAY won by decision over Conrad Jones of WHARTON 2-0.
285 Results
1st Place – John Dreggors of SPRINGSTEAD
2nd Place – Quinn Tibbetts of MANATEE
3rd Place – Mikingson Marsaille of FT. PIERCE CENTRAL
4th Place – Ozell McNabb of CLAY
5th Place – Joe Dudley of BRANDON
6th Place – Tevin Franklin of EAST BAY 1st Place Match
John Dreggors of SPRINGSTEAD won by pin over Quinn Tibbetts of MANATEE in 0:49. 3rd Place Match
Mikingson Marsaille of FT. PIERCE CENTRAL won by decision over Ozell McNabb of CLAY 10-8. 5th Place Match
Joe Dudley of BRANDON won by decision over Tevin Franklin of EAST BAY 3-2.
Florida’s class 2A – #1-ranked Springstead Eagles will complete their regular-season schedule in grand style with a trip to the state’s premier program this weekend to meet up with 3A – #1-ranked Brandon Eagles at Brandon High School for its two-day, 31-team, 27th annual Tony Ippolito Memorial Wrestling Tournament.
“We’ve had a great season,” described Brandon Coach Cozart. “We went up to Minnesota and finished second in the national tournament (Clash), losing only to the # 1 team in the country (Apple Valley). It was good for us because it showed us where we’re at.”
Another huge consideration at this point is health and Cozart admitted that health-wise, Brandon is 100 percent.
DOC BUCHANAN – WEIGHT BY WEIGHT PREVIEW Using Coach C’s December 2010 State Rankings
**rankings used were the only available state rankings at the time of writing** (correction: please see below as the Official TCW State Rankings were overlooked)
The 34th Annual Doc Buchanan Invitational is loaded with talent and promises to be the most exciting field ever to grace the mats at Clovis High School in the tournament’s 34-year history. With 76 of the top teams in the state bringing only their best, these 32-man brackets will not be host to your average 1st and 2nd round matches. Look for section and state qualifiers to be meeting up early and often as we grind out 14 champions from an absolutely stunning array of wrestlers at the “biggest little tournament” on the West Coast!
Six returning Doc Buchanan Champions look to defend their title in 2011, one less than a year ago. After last year, only 3 wrestlers in the 33-year existence of the event have been able to win four cowboy hats: Nick Zinkin (Clovis, 1989-1992), Nathan Morgan (Bakersfield, 2001-2004), and Jesse Delgado (Gilroy, 2007-2010). Here are the six returning champions for 2011 looking to win a 2nd cowboy hat and their weight class last season:
Vincent Gomez (Frontier) at 103
Alex Cisneros (Selma) at 112
Shane Tate (Oakdale) at 130
Nick Pena (Selma) at 135
Napoleon Aniciete (Las Vegas) at 140
Bryce Hammond (Bakersfield) at 160
In addition, nine of the state’s #1 ranked wrestlers, every weight class from 119-171, will grace the field and put their ranking on the line against the state’s best.
Alex Cisneros (Selma) at 119
Fabian Garcia (Turlock) at 125
Nick Pena (Selma) at 130
Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore) at 135
David Ferry (Oakdale) at 140
Coleman Hammond (Bakersfield) at 145
Nathan Zarate (Selma) at 152
Bryce Hammond (Bakersfield) at 160
Zach Nevills (Clovis) at 171
Here’s a weight by weight breakdown of what can be expected, and anticipated, on January 7th & 8th at the Doc Buchanan, hosted by Clovis High School.
103
#2 Johnson Mai (North Torrance)
#3 Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak)
#4 Leif Dominguez (Gilroy)
#5 Mason Pengilly (Porterville)
#6 Emilio Saveedra (Pitman)
#7 Adrian Campasano (Central)
#8 Michael Knoblauch (Clovis West)
Under the radar: Tung Le (Newark Memorial), David Conte (De La Salle), Meng Xiong (Merced), Juan Garza (Oakdale), Elizade (Brawley), Sean Williams (Lemoore), Joey Cisneros (Redwood)
In a weight class typically dominated by youth, this year is no exception. 7 of the Top 8 state ranked wrestlers will square off at 103lbs, five of which are freshman. The only upperclassman in the group is the highest ranked wrestler in the field, returning state qualifier #2 Johnson Mai (North Torrance). Undefeated #3 Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak) comes off a big Reno TOC championship over sophomore and returning state qualifier #4 Leif Dominguez (Gilroy). #5 Mason Pengilly (Porterville), #6 Emilio Saveedra (Pitman), and #8 Adrian Campasano (Central) have all had some great early season wins in their rookie campaign, though Pengilly hasn’t been down from 112 yet. Watch out for Meng Xiong (Merced) who lost a tough battle with Campasano early in the season and could challenge here or #8 Michael Knoblauch (Clovis West) who has had some great wins, all at 112lbs so far.
112
#3 Vincent Gomez (Frontier)
#4 Garrett Fortado (Oakdale)
#5 Ian Nickell (Bakersfield)
#6 Jonas Gaytan (Clovis)
#7 Arturo Carmona (Brawley)
#8 Brandon Rodriguez (Clovis West)
Under the radar: Josh Rodriguez (Righetti), Paul Fox (Gilroy), Austin Solari (Liberty-Brentwood), Joey Ramirez (De La Salle), Artemio Flores (James Logan), Erik Greybill (Ponderosa), Jose Navarro (Madera)
Six of the Top 8 will be represented at 112, including a slew of other talent. Leading the way will be returning state placers #3 Vincent Gomez (Frontier), #4 Garrett Fortado (Oakdale), and #5 Ian Nickell (Bakersfield). Nickell has been wrestling 119 but may be down in time for the Doc Buchanan. Following that group closely will be #6 Jonas Gaytan (Clovis), #7 Arturo Carmona (Brawley), and #8 Brandon Rodriguez (Clovis West), who has looked impressive early in the season. Don’t sleep on Josh Rodriguez (Righetti), a returning Southern Section Masters champion or Paul Fox (Gilroy) who proved he is ready to challenge in the pre-season.
119
#1 Alex Cisneros (Selma)
#2 Javier Gasca (Central)
#3 Martin Ramirez (Elk Grove)
#5 Steven Knoblauch (Clovis West)
#6 Daniel Gaytan (Clovis)
#8 Joe Moita (De La Salle)
Under the radar: Vince Herrera (South Hills), Roman Garcia (Freedom), Tim Ditrich (Ponderosa), Jaime Ledesma (Vista), Justin Jauregui (Clovis East), Silverio Esparza (Lemoore), Lupe Flores (Selma), Nathan Garcia (Las Vegas)
It’s not certain that #1 Alex Cisneros (Selma) will be down to 119 yet as he wrestled 125 for the Ironman, but regardless, this is a star-studded field that no one will want to miss. Cisneros needs no introduction as a 2x defending state champion and yet to lose a match against a fellow California wrestler. #2 Javier Gasca (Central) has been on a tear, already defeating the returning state champion at 103lbs early in the season by a comfortable margin. Though Gasca is not a returning state place winner, the four behind him are: #3 Martin Ramirez (Elk Grove), #5 Stevan Knoblauch (Clovis West), #6 Daniel Gaytan (Clovis), and #8 Joe Moita (De La Salle). Even the ‘under the radar’ list is impressive at this weight class, featuring a host of wrestler capable of not only showing, but winning a cowboy hat! Watch out for Vince Herrera (South Hills) and Silverio Esparza (Lemoore), both very good on top and can get turns at anytime. Justin Jauregui (Clovis East) is not really a sleeper, being a 2x state qualifier with notable wins over a few ranked above him. Don’t sleep on Nathan Garcia (Las Vegas) who was a runner-up in Nevada last season. He’s turned in some impressive pre-season wins and will be ready to compete with the top dogs.
125
#1 Fabian Garcia (Turlock)
#2 Vince Rodriguez (Clovis North)
#3 Patrick Phaysamone (Clovis East)
#4 Nico Villareal (Gilroy)
#5 Dillan Rocha (Lemoore)
#6 Josh Lopez (Frontier)
#7 Micah Cruz (Bakersfield)
#8 Masato Fukishama (North Torrance)
Under the radar: Anthony Rodriguez (Righetti), Brian Ha (El Camino), Merk Robbins (Hoopa), Jon Jay Chavez (De La Salle), Connor Pollock (Folsom), Alex Greybill (Ponderosa), Tanner Feuerstein (Oakdale), Martinez (Vista)
If 119 was loaded, this weight class could be overloaded! Start with two of the top wrestlers in the country in #1 Fabian Garcia (Turlock) and #2 Vince Rodriguez (Clovis North), Garcia winning their first contest at the Reno TOC in a great match. #3 Patrick Phaysamone (Clovis East) has not been below 135 yet so he may not be down to weight but he dominated a great national field in Las Vegas in the pre-season while freshman #4 Nico Villareal (Gilroy) not only did the same, but is within an eyelash of being undefeated on the season with some impressive victories already to his resume. Villareal has also been at 130 thus far. #5 Dillan Rocha (Lemoore) is a returning state medalist and #6 Josh Lopez (Frontier) has been on a tear early in the year, ready to challenge the best. Add in returning state qualifiers #7 Micah Cruz (Bakersfield) and #8 Masato Fukishama (North Torrance) and you have ALL EIGHT of the Top 8 wrestlers in the state at 125lbs. Should we even mention that there are guys under the radar that could contend? Watch out for the ‘baby-faced assassin’ (a Coach Ciaccio original) Jon Jay Chavez (De La Salle), a freshman that could turn some heads and has already done so in the early goings this season.
130
#1 Nick Pena (Selma)
#3 Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield)
#4 Willie Fox (Gilroy)
#5 Connor Larson (Clovis East)
#7 Oscar Lizarraga (Brawley)
#8 Juan Salas (Clovis)
Under the radar: Thomas Morales (South Hills), Jacob Barbarena (Downey), Alec Smith (Sultana), Nick Chavez (Redlands East Valley), Zach Wiley (Freedom), Austin Wulfert (Casa Roble), Brandon Buroni (Oak Ridge), Brandon Eggleston (Turlock), Jake Butler (Oakdale)
Another stacked weight class that looks to include a returning state champion in #1 Nick Pena (Selma), though he has not wrestled below 140 this season, and loads of other talent. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pena at 135 or even 140 at this juncture in the season but #2 Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield) will gladly dawn the top spot, looking to follow up his state medal performance from a year ago and continue his hot start this season. #4 Willie Fox (Gilroy) has also gotten off to a nice start with a Reno TOC runner-up finish and looks to challenge, albeit he has been at 135 thus far. #5 Connor Larson (Clovis East), #7 Oscar Lizarraga (Brawley), and #8 Juan Salas (Clovis) round out the state-ranked field. With plenty of under the radar wrestlers, this weight is sure to create fireworks early and often.
135
#1 Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore)
#2 Shane Tate (Oakdale)
#3 Chris Mecate (Redlands East Valley)
#5 Blake Kastle (Gilroy)
#6 Chris Calcagno (Clovis North)
Under the radar: Luke Wilson (Righetti), Alex Abono (De La Salle), Nico Serrano (Liberty-Brentwood), Maxx Ramirez (Bakersfield), Devin Everk (Clovis)
What a field at 135! #1 Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore) was a the talk of the tournament a year ago and now firmly is entrenched as one of the state’s best after a 3rd place finish at the state as a freshman. #2 Shane Tate (Oakdale) is a 2x state medal winner and a defending Doc Buchanan champion. Both Martinez and Tate have been at 140 early in the year but may be down for the Doc. #3 Chris Mecate (Redlands East Valley) is also a 2x state medalist (likely a 3-timer if not for injury) and a Super32 champ from two years ago. #5 Blake Kastle (Gilroy) is coming off a good performance at the Ironman and a 3rd place finish at the Reno TOC, albeit at 140lbs. #6 Chris Calcagno (Clovis North) is very dangerous and causes match-up problems for anyone. Don’t sleep on Alex Abono (De La Salle) or Devin Everk (Clovis), both returning state qualifiers last year that look to improve on those performances. This should be a fun weight to watch from the quarters on!
140
#1 David Ferry (Oakdale)
#1 (NV) Alex Aniciete (Las Vegas)
#2 Timmy Box (Bakersfield)
#3 Shane Yacuta (Porterville)
#4 Brady Bersano (Clovis)
#5 Andrew Perez (Pitman)
#6 Chino Williams (Lemoore)
#7 Damien Arredondo (Buchanan)
#8 David Meza (Buena Park)
Under the radar: Trevor Behr (South Hills), Kyle Randall (Redlands East Valley), Zach Rodriguez (San Benito), Keaton Subjeck (Oak Ridge), Joe Rodriguez (Elk Grove), Rico Aguilar (Selma)
Another loaded field featuring all eight state-ranked wrestlers plus a Nevada state champion! Returning state champion #1 David Ferry (Oakdale) headlines the 140lbs field. #1 (NV) Alex Aniciete (Las Vegas) is a defending Nevada state champion and returns after narrowly missing placing at the Doc Buchanan a year ago. #2 Timmy Box (Bakersfield) comes off of a state medal two-years ago and is one of the most dynamic wrestlers in the field, capable of scoring a ton of points against top competition. #3 Shane Yacuta (Porterville) looks to add a 2nd state medal to his resume and garner his first cowboy hat. The surprise here is #4 Brady Bersano (Clovis), who has defeated some top competition already this season and moved himself into the state rankings over some impressive names. #5 Andrew Perez (Pitman) and #7 Damien Arredondo (Buchanan) are both returning state medal winners. #6 Chino Williams (Lemoore) has yet to wrestle this season and may be out again at the Doc Buchanan. #8 David Meza (Buena Park) returns from a season-ending injury last season and is more than capable of claiming the top spot. Though he has not wrestled yet this season, if he’s back and down to weight, look for Rico Aguilar (Selma) to make a lot of noise.
145
#1 Coleman Hammond (Bakersfield)
#2 Jesse Baldazo (Liberty-Brentwood)
#3 Adam Hendrickson (Healdsburg)
#5 Brandon Sotomayor (Centennial-Bakersfield)
#6 Marc Sawyer-Smith (Brawley)
Under the radar: Michael Gonzalez (Sultana), Matt Tsarnas (Healdsburg), Smith (Rancho Buena Vista), Devin Poindexter (Clovis North), Isaiah Morfin (Selma)
#1 Coleman Hammond (Bakersfield) finished 4th last season at the state championships but was unable to compete at the Doc Buchanan, so he’ll be looking to take his first cowboy hat. He’s been wrestling at 152 thus far, but will likely be down for the Doc Buchanan. #2 Jesse Baldazo (Liberty-Brentwood) was a state medal winner last season as was #3 Adam Hendrickson (Healdsburg). They’ll be gunning for the top spot as well. Not sure that #5 Brandon Sotomayor (Centennial-Bakersfield) will be at 145 yet, as he’s been at 160 so far this season. Look for him at 152 at least but nevertheless, he’s a returning state qualifier and capable of going with anyone. #6 Marc Sawyer-Smith (Brawley) had some breakout wins this off-season and could challenge all at this weight class. A couple under the radar guys could make some real noise at this weight class. Look for Isaiah Morfin (Selma), a 3rd place finisher at the Doc Buchanan a year ago, to really contend as well as Devin Poindexter (Clovis North), who’s a match-up problem for a lot of opponents. And don’t overlook Michael Gonzalez (Sultana) who may just be the sleeper at this weight class.
152
#1 Nathan Zarate (Selma)
#1 (NV) Napoleon Aniciete (Las Vegas)
#3 Victor Perriera (Newark Memorial)
#5 Matt Hickman (Camarillo)
#6 Adam Fierro (Bakersfield)
#8 Blake Thompson (Clovis)
Under the radar: Travis Arreguin (Healdsburg), Isaias Diaz (Folsom), Romero (Carlsbad), Dylin Rodriguez (Sanger)
An interesting weight here, with #1 Nathan Zarate (Selma) yet to wrestle this season and up a few weight classes from a season ago. Also here is an electric wrestler from Nevada in #1 (NV) Napoleon Aniciete (Las Vegas), last year’s Doc Buchanan champion, who will give everyone problems with his speed and athleticism. Also keep your eyes on #3 Victor Perriera (Newark Memorial), a returning state place winner and underrated wrestler, even at #3. #5 Matt Hickman (Camarillo) had his breakout performance this summer in Fargo, ND, defeating some of the top wrestlers in the country to make a surprise trip to the Junior National freestyle finals. His efforts not only helped his own stock, but gave great publicity to the toughness of California wrestling having only (and I say ‘only’ lightly) placed 6th at the state championships. #6 Adam Fierro (Bakersfield) has been close twice but not yet gotten the state hardware he desires. He’ll challenge for the title if down to weight from 160 where he’s started the season. #8 Blake Thompson (Clovis) may not be down to weight either, but he’ll challenge at whatever weight he goes. Surely under the radar here is Dylin Rodriguez (Sanger) who has as good a shot as anybody at the cowboy hat but also may still be at 160lbs. Also look for Travis Arreguin (Healdsburg) to make some noise at the event.
160
#1 Bryce Hammond (Bakersfield)
#2 Vince Waldhauser (Oak Ridge)
#4 Adrian Salas (Clovis)
#6 Matt Negrete (Buchanan)
Under the radar: Ryan McWatters (Sultana), Daniel Luty (American), Dylan Morris (Redwood-Larkspur), Curtis Seigfried (De La Salle), Donahue (Vista), Whalen-Orona (Carlsbad)
Only a handful of ranked wrestlers headline 160lbs, but two make it worth the trip alone. #1 Bryce Hammond (Bakersfield) fresh off a state championship and considered one of the best wrestlers in the state at any weight class will give fans plenty to watch. #2 Vince Waldhauser (Oak Ridge) was 2nd last year to Hammond in a great bout but comes fresh off of an Ironman finals appearance where he defeated several top names in the country. Fans will eagerly await this showdown rematch on Saturday night and if both are down to weight, what a show it will be! Those looking to spoil the party include #4 Adrian Salas (Clovis) and #6 Matt Negrete (Buchanan). Negrete was a match away from placing at the state championships a year ago and Salas with a few big victories early in the season to vault himself into the rankings. Ryan McWatters (Sultana) is a name to watch here and could surprise a few top names along the way.
171
#1 Zach Nevills (Clovis)
#2 Nikko Reyes (Clovis West)
#3 Jake Pendleton (Lemoore)
#4 Justin Lozano (Selma)
#5 Trent Noon (Oakdale)
#7 Silas Nacita (Bakersfield)
#8 Jesus Ambriz (Rancho Buena Vista)
Under the radar: Adam Busch (Castro Valley), Gabe Tulchinsky (Freedom), Scott Votino (Elk Grove)
This is a loaded weight class with credentials galore. #1 Zach Nevills (Clovis) returns to 171 for the 3rd time in as many years, looking to earn his first title after many runner-up finishes a year ago including the Doc Buchanan and state championships. #2 Nikko Reyes (Clovis West) is a returning state placer (3rd) looks like he’s going to try staying at 171 after a Reno TOC Championship and will contend. #3 Jake Pendleton (Lemoore) is another returning state placer (6th) that hopes to get his first cowboy hat. #4 Justin Lozano (Selma) has yet to wrestle this season but his return is eagerly anticipated, as he would add even more depth to an incredible field. #5 Trent Noon is another returning placer but has already wrestled 160 this season. It’s more likely that he ends up there. #7 Silas Nacita (Bakersfield) is back after a state qualifying appearance a season ago and #8 Jesus Ambriz (Rancho Buena Vista) may not be down to weight yet, but if he’s as 171 he is a contender. Watch for Adam Busch (Castro Valley) to step up here and challenge.
189
#3 Luke Sheridan (De LaSalle)
#5 AC Brown (Oakdale)
#6 Roman Ermolov (Terra Linda)
#7 David Ali (Porterville)
#8 Ryan Davies (Clovis)/Dakota Gordon (Clovis)
Under the radar: Matt Haney (James Logan)
189 is a solid weight this season featuring 5 of the Top 8 state ranked wrestlers. The field is lead by #3 Luke Sheridan (De La Salle), a returning 3rd place finisher in the state from last season and top recruit out of California this year. #5 AC Brown (Oakdale) will look to challenge Sheridan, as will up and comer #6 Roman Ermolov (Terra Linda), who’s picking up folkstyle wrestling quickly and is one to watch this season. #7 David Ali (Porterville) should be back in action for the Doc Buchanan, although he hasn’t wrestled yet this season coming from football. And the last spot is interesting as #8 Ryan Davies/Dakota Gordon (Clovis) battle it out for the starting nod, both already having defeated some strong competition this season.
215
#2 Taylor Ferguson Clovis
#7 Sean Medley Wasco
Under the radar: Jeff Vargas (South Hills), Justin Walker (De La Salle), Stephen Kay (American), Alex Wood (Folsom), Rassel (Carlsbad), Miller (Rancho Buena Vista), Andrew Sanchez (Golden West), Rudy Amaya (Foothill-Bakersfield), Jordan Pyzer (Clovis North), Jamoke Hunter (Clovis West)
On paper, 215 is the lightest in terms of state ranked wrestlers with only two. #2 Taylor Ferguson (Clovis) looks to follow up his near placing at the state championships a year ago with a medal this season. #7 Sean Medley (Wasco) had a terrific rookie year and now looks to make his sophomore year an even better one. Look for many under the radar wrestlers to challenge at this weight class including Justin Walker (De La Salle) and Rudy Amaya (Foothill-Bakersfield), coming off a strong finish at the Mann Classic.
285
#3 Nick Nevills (Clovis)
#4 Steven Woods (Lemoore)
#6 Robin Case (Rancho Buena Vista)
#7 Dylan Wynn (De La Salle)
Under the radar: Robert Chism (Downey), Trevor Kelly (El Camino), Alex Kambic (Freedom), Bryan Hayashida (Elk Grove), Alex Kelley (Vista), Isaiah Duran (Clovis North), Mark Trevino (Corcoran), Narciso Juarez (Sanger)
Heavyweight isn’t as deep as some of the other weights and leaves more unknowns in the form of currently under the radar wrestlers. However, it’s a weight class we’re pretty sure of what we’re getting as I doubt anyone here won’t be down to weight yet. One person who’s not under the radar after only one month of high school wrestling is super-frosh #3 Nick Nevills (Clovis). All he’s done is go undefeated in his first 18 matches, pin 15 opponents, and defeat the #3, #7, and #8 ranked wrestlers in the pre-season state rankings in succession at a single tournament. He’ll be challenged by the #1 ranked wrestler in the Central Section, Reno TOC finalist #4 Steven Woods (Lemoore) who has proven he’s one of the best in the state. #6 Robin Case (Rancho Buena Vista) is a returning state qualifier as is #7 Dylan Wynn (De La Salle) and will be in the mix for the championship. Look for Robert Chism (Downey) after a successful summer and Bryan Hayashida (Elk Grove), backup to last year’s state champion, to make some noise along with another dynamite freshman from the Central Section in Isaiah Duran (Clovis North). Don’t overlook Alex Kelley (Vista), a state qualifier out of the San Diego section last year in a deep HWT class.
Team Race
#1 Clovis
#2 Bakersfield
#3 Oakdale
#4 Selma
#5 Gilroy
#6 Lemoore
#7 Clovis West
Let the clash of titans commence at this year’s Doc Buchanan. All 7 of the Top 7 teams in the state will be present and looking to claim the championship. It’s the only tournament this year, until the state championships, where all seven teams will be present at the same event. In what is surely to be a preview of the state championship team race, let’s break down each team and their path to the title.
#1 Clovis, host and defending champion, will be led by the strength of their big boys, being the strongest team in the field from 152-285. Top ranked Zach Nevills (171) joins #3 Taylor Ferguson (215) and brother, #3 Nick Nevills (285) at the upper end of the weight class range. Clovis displays impressive depth with 10 state ranked wrestlers including #6 Jonas Gaytan (112), #6 Daniel Gaytan (119), #8 Juan Salas (130), #4 Brady Bersano (140), #8 Blake Thompson (152), #4 Adrian Salas (160), and #8 Ryan Davies/Dakota Gordon (189). Clovis will need consistent performances out of the lower weights and a few unknowns to capture the title. Clovis is currently ranked #17 in the country according to The Open Mat.
#2 Bakersfield, the defending state champions, will feature a murderer’s row of wrestlers from 112-171lbs. With 5 returning state medalists and 9 returning state qualifiers, no one is quite sure how they are ranked #2 (*hint Ciaccio*). Surely not the national rankings as The Open Mat currently has Bakersfield as a whopping #5 in the country! Leading the group is defending state champion Bryce Hammond (160) and returning state medal winners #5 Ian Nickel (112), #3 Natrelle Demison (130), #2 Timmy Box (140), and #1 Coleman Hammond (145). Add to that mix #7 Micah Cruz (125), #6 Adam Fierro (152), #7 Silas Nacita (171), and returning state qualifier Maxx Ramirez (135) and you have the core of the defending state championship team, set to repeat in 2011. Bakersfield’s weak spot, if they have one, is the lack of upper weights after the departure of 2x state place winner Brian Schoene at 215lbs. But with 9 strong wrestlers from 112-171, they’ll be tough to beat in any major tournament format.
#3 Oakdale is the Cinderella team of 2011, with a solid returning lineup and some surprising additions due to the departure of long-time Central Catholic coach Steve Strange, they became an immediate title threat. Oakdale is lead by a new face in returning state champion and top-ranked David Ferry (140) along with 2x place winner #2 Shane Tate (135). Along with those two are returning place winners #4 Garret Fortado (112) and #5 Trent Noon (160), in addition to a few returning state qualifiers in Tanner Feuerstein (125), Dustin Harris (152), and AC Brown (189). Add Juan Garza (103) and a host of other typically tough Oakdale wrestlers and they have the makings for a team title in March.
#4 Selma is coming off of two consecutive 2nd place finishes in the state and once again boasts the best of the top-end with three #1 ranked wrestlers – Alex Cisneros (119), Nick Pena (130), and Nathan Zarate (152). They also boast another Top 8 ranked wrestler in #4 Justin Lozano (171). If the team gets help from its supporting cast of Lupe Flores (112), Rico Aguilar (140), and Isaiah Morfin (145), they could be tough to beat. Selma has yet to wrestle with a full squad so it remains to be seen if all seven of their big guns will be in action for the Doc Buchanan.
#5 Gilroy reloaded this year in surprising fashion, after the departure of some key components to their strong teams of the past few seasons. The Mustangs will be lead by returning place winner #4 Blake Kastl (135) and qualifier #4 Willie Fox (130). Two other young guns have made an impact this season in #4 Leif Dominguez (103) and freshman phenom #4 Nico Villareal (125). Paul Fox (112) will help add depth but the group will need a few more to challenge the Top 4 teams. Nevertheless, Gilroy is a solid Top 5 team in almost any tournament they enter.
#6 Lemoore comes off a Top 5 state finish from a year ago and a 5th place finish at this year’s Reno TOC, the highest finish by a California team in the tournament. They are lead by #1 ranked Isaiah Martinez (135) and #3 ranked Jacob Pendleton (171). Also mentioned in the state rankings are #5 Dylan Rocha (125), #6 Chino Williams (140), and #4 Steven Woods (285). Williams has yet to wrestle this season and may be out for the Doc Buchanan as well, but like always, Lemoore always has a few unknown horses in the stables ready to step up and score points. Look for Sean Williams (103) to help out in that department. Lemoore is a top-end team and will need big points out of their main scorers to challenge the Top 4 teams for the championship.
#7 Clovis West stays true to form and is strong in the lower weights, with a notable exception coming with their leader #2 Nikko Reyes (171). Other than Reyes, the Golden Eagles are strong in the lowers with #8 Michael Knoblauch (103), #8 Brandon Rodriguez (112), and #5 Stevan Knoblauch (119). Michael Knoblauch has yet to show at 103 this season but has done quite well at 112lbs, though behind Rodriguez. Look for a couple fresh faces and familiar names to add points for the Eagles throughout the lower weights: Chris Garcia (125) and Tyler Zimmer (135). Though a tournament title is a long shot, the Eagles have the firepower to displace a few teams above them and make the Top 5 with a solid team performance.
By no means is this a comprehensive list of team talent as the field also includes:
Brawley
Buchanan
Central
Clovis East
De La Salle
Las Vegas, NV
Porterville
Sultana
Temecula Valley
…and 60 more!
If you can’t make the trip, be sure to tune in for both LIVE streaming video and LIVE results from 9:00am on Friday morning until the conclusion of the finals on Saturday!
