It was a busy month of February for members of the Escalon Wrestling Club, as they went to a number of events.
Following is a brief recap of the action for the youth wrestlers. Names are spelled as provided.
Calaveras High School
February 5
EWC had 13 wrestlers make the journey up to Calaveras on Sunday, Feb. 5 with nine coming away with medals and three champions. Looking good taking thirds were Liam Lombardi, Angel Silva, Lucas Burton and Cole McDowell. Continuing to impress the coaches was runner up Kaleb Butler. Working hard and really coming into their own as forces in the area were the three champions: Jimmy McDowell, Conner McDowell and Houston Sizuela.
Tokay High School
February 12
“EWC had five wrestlers not letting Super Bowl Sunday stop them from getting better,” said head coach Derek Scott. “We had four placers.”
Taking third place were Austin Sanchez and Aiden Perreira Yates. Taking runner-up honors were Lucas Burton and the always tough Johnny Van Dyk.
“The coaching staff are very impressed with these kids’ continued dedication,” added Coach Scott.
Oakdale High School
February 19
This event was the Zone II SCWAY State Qualifier Tournament and the Escalon Wrestling Club had 10 wrestlers compete in the event with six state qualifiers and one champion. Wrestling at the huge event were over 400 elite wrestlers from the local area and from across the state
Looking great and qualifying to the state tournament were: in fifth place Drake Faria at 12 and under; also earning a trip to Clovis taking fourth place ,Julian Cruz in the 10 and under division. Making a trip to the finals of the tough qualifier, just missing out on being champions, were Jacob Lee at 12 and under, Conner McDowell and Houston Sizuela in the middle school division.
“We look at all three of these boys as legitimate state placer possibilities,” Scott said. “Our lone champion of the event, continuing to impress with his ferocious attacking style, was Jimmy McDowell in the 12 and under division.”
The SCWAY State tournament will be held Friday through Sunday, March 17 through 19 at Clovis East High School.
“We also have our SCWAY Kids Tournament of Champions at Escalon High School on Sunday, March 5,” Scott said, with all wrestlers K-12 eligible to compete on Sunday with weigh-ins being at home on Thursday. “The team continues to be led by Ben Lee and Clinton Sizuela and volunteer coaches.”
