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CV bests Central Catholic, remains atop WAC standings
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Central Valley High School's varsity wrestling team remained in a tie for first place in the Western Athletic Conference dual-meet standings following last week's 52-20 thrashing of perennial-power Central Catholic.

"To be in this position is exciting for all of us," said Rob Beckhart, first-year head coach of the Hawks. "I definitely had some high expectations. I'm glad the kids have been able to live up to them so far. I'm happy with the entire team."

The host Hawks won 10 of 14 matches against the Raiders on Tuesday, Jan. 18 in Ceres.

Central Valley's Vince Martinez (rash), Jeffrey Phetsomphou (back) and Evan Elliot (knee) did not compete.

Johnny Proctor won by pin (0:18) against Ryan McLean in the 191-pound class.

Josh Beckhart won by pin (0:47) against Ivan Swalve at 217 pounds.

Jaime Tadeo won by major decision (11-1) against Aaron Lopes at 162 pounds.

Freshman Adrian Vizcaino won by decision (10-4) against Christopher Picinichi at 173 pounds.

Vizcaino filled in for Elliott. Adrian placed third at Escalon's Lloyd C. Engel Tournament the previous week. He's won five of his last seven matches.

"He's probably our most improved wrestler up to this point," Beckhart said. "He's gained confidence in what he's doing. If he sticks with it, he's going to be a major player."

Alex Alvarez won by decision (6-4) against Devon Kelly at 121 pounds.

Isaiah Gonzales (105s), Miguel Espinoza (127s), Abel Medina (132s), Nestor Berumen (137s) and Jaime Lomeli (154s) were awarded forfeit victories.

Anthony Centeno lost by major decision (15-3) to Ray Lomas at 147 pounds.

Michael Manzur lost by major decision (15-3) to Timmy Gutierrez at 114 pounds.

James Jackson lost by pin (5:28) to Dustin Corrin-Willey at 287 pounds.

Derek Earnest lost by pin (1:29) to Reggie Bland at 142 pounds.

"We sat three starters and still beat them pretty good," Beckhart said. "The kids are excited. Central Catholic has a long tradition of winning. I wouldn't count them out for too long. They're going to be contenders the next couple of years. They're going to rebuild their program."

Central Valley has experienced a remarkable turnaround under coach Beckhart's guidance.

Former grapplers Oscar Peral and Mike Senseney have provided assistance.

The Hawks went 0-8 in the Valley Oak League in 2009-10.

"I inherited a good group of kids," Beckhart said.

The Hawks (16-1, 3-0) close out the WAC dual-meet season with road matches against Los Banos (today) and Patterson (Feb. 2). The top two programs qualify for the Sac-Joaquin Section Team Dual Tournament.

"Los Banos is going to be tough," Beckhart said. "We have a chance at beating them, especially if we get healthy."