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!

LIVE Streaming Video
Channel 1 – http://www.ustream.tv/channel/clovis-wrestling
Channel 2 – http://www.ustream.tv/channel/clovis-wrestling-alt

LIVE Results (through the NWCA)
(link to be posted before the tournament!)

- This Great Preview of the 2011 Doc Buchanan Wrestling Tournament was brought to you by Alex Tirapelle.

Article Source