By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
McDonald Tops At MJC Cougars Getting On Track For Solid Season
36051a.jpg
36051a
Getting into the groove, Escalon wrestlers were busy with a dual meet and a tournament this week and will head to Reno for the Sierra Nevada Tournament just before the New Year.

They hosted Enochs in a dual meet on Thursday, Dec. 18 and both the JV and varsity squad were victorious.

The JV took a 48-24 win, with many of the wins by forfeit. Wrestling and winning were Kenneth Ring, 120; Anthony Munoz, 141; Mike Simoes, 160; Shane Silveira, 171; Mike Gutierrez, 189; Glenn Wheat, 215; Paul Brown, heavyweight.

"At the varsity level, we looked real good," said coach Derek Scott. "Enochs is a middle level school in the Modesto league so I wasn't sure how we would do against them."

With a 63-7 win, the Cougar grapplers did just fine.

Winning by pin in their matches were Max Yang, 103; Christian Franks, 112; Martin Castillo, 125; Dylan Furtado, 130; Tyler Gonzales, 152; Charlie McDonald, 171; Brandon Williams, 189; Thomas Martin, 215; Josh Messersmith, heavyweight.

Winners by decision were Jason Gutierrez, 135, 8-7; David Gonzales, 140, 6-0; Colin Keener, 160, 8-6.

Taking losses were Keenon Tavares at 119 and Joseph Antonacci at 145.

"Then we took 13 kids to MJC (Western Invitational Tournament)," Scott said of action both Friday and Saturday. "We took seventh overall and five guys medaled."

Tyler Gonzales and Josh Messersmith each went 3-2, just missing out on the medal rounds.

"We were pleased with both of them," Scott said.

Medals went to Christian Franks, fourth with a 4-2 mark at 105; David Gonzales, eighth at 140 with a 3-1 mark.

"He had to forfeit his last two matches due to injury," Scott said of pulling Gonzales out after the three wins.

Brandon Williams went 4-3 for sixth place at 189 pounds and Thomas Martin was 4-2 for fifth place at 215.

"Brandon has his first real chance of being a varsity guy and we are pleased with his progress," said Scott. "Thomas, this was his first tournament this season so he did well."

Leading the way for the Cougars, however, was Charlie McDonald, who went 5-0 and won four of those five decisions by pin, the other was a decisive 11-3 victory. He took first place honors at 171pounds.

"He was voted the most outstanding wrestler in the tournament," Scott said.

Varsity wrestlers will next head to Reno for the Sierra Nevada Tournament on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29 and 30.

Meanwhile, Scott said, nine young wrestlers from the Escalon Wrestling Club - which he also helps coach - were active in the weekend Waterford Tournament. Suiting up and hitting the mats for Escalon were Adarine Groves, Carson Prim, Adan Krieger, Jake Lawrence, Tyler Lawrence, Ethan Krieger, Blake Kendrick, Cole Frank and Bronson Harmon.