Central Valley’s boys wrestling program cruised to a 76-6 road win against crosstown-rival Ceres High on Jan. 28 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.
“Sometimes that happens during duals,” Hawks’ head coach Rob Beckhart said while talking about his team’s dominant performance. “You get a little momentum behind you.”
“I was hoping to win a couple more matches,” Bulldogs’ leader Adam Borges stated. “I was surprised we lost almost every match by pin. We’re super young. We just got to get more mat time.”
Central Valley improved to 21-2 overall and compiled a 6-1 record on its way to tying for first place in the Western Athletic Conference dual-meet standings with Grace Davis.
“I’m happy with the result,” Beckhart said. “The kids fought hard to be in this position. Our depth really helped us. I only had five kids that wrestled all seven duals. We were able to move kids around.”
A loss during the final day of the WAC regular season would have prevented the Hawks from claiming a share of the conference title.
“We’re co-champs,” Beckhart said. “If we would have lost, that would have been out the window. Losing the dual to Lathrop by one point (37-36) helped us refocus. It was eye-opening. Sometimes when you’re winning you get complacent.”
Ceres High placed seventh in league with a 1-6 mark.
“I’ll be honest with you,” Borges said. “We didn’t have super high expectations because of how young and inexperienced we were. Our main expectation was to get better each day.”
Central Valley won 13 of the crosstown dual’s 14 individual matches.
“Ceres High has a good program,” Beckhart said. They’re young. We just have a lot of experience.”
Central Valley’s Enrique Zavala prevailed by first-round pin (0:29) against Ceres High’s Malyki Reedy during their 215-pound matchup.
Sean Vernon prevailed by first-round pin (0:41) against Jayden Jaimes at 165 pounds.
Sal Almazan prevailed by first-round pin (0:52) against Hunter Hammons at 285 pounds.
Sunny Breshears prevailed by first-round pin (0:54) against Isaiah Villamarin at 157 pounds.
Isaac Davalos prevailed by first-round pin (1:01) against Kyle Mitts at 113 pounds.
Jayden Mattox prevailed by first-round pin (1:30) against Adamir Jimenez at 120 pounds.
Isaiah Ramos prevailed by first-round pin (1:59) against Jayden Silva at 175 pounds.
Emilio Castillo prevailed by second-round pin (2:45) against Elijah Villamarin at 126 pounds.
Caleb Beckhart prevailed by second-round pin (3:01) against Josiah Martinez at 150 pounds.
Alijah Jackson prevailed by second-round pin (3:33) against Lionel Villanueva at 106 pounds.
Breighdon Swenson prevailed by technical fall (16-1) against Anthony Aldana at 132 pounds.
Rotceh Mendez prevailed by technical fall (15-0) against Daniel Tubera at 138 pounds.
Urijah Krigbaum prevailed by forfeit at 144 pounds.
“It was important the kids stayed focused and took care of business,” coach Beckhart said. “We moved kids around and got favorable matchups. We just executed the game plan. The focus was to stay aggressive.”
Sophomore Isai Medina accounted for the Bulldogs’ lone victory.
He prevailed by second-round pin (2:22) against Killian Jones at 190 pounds.
“I knew there had to be added pressure there,” Adam Borges said. “He (Medina) showed some maturity not getting overwhelmed by the moment. That was a big match for us to not get shut out.”
Ceres High standout wrestler Parker Borges did not compete against Central Valley.
He was sidelined with an ankle injury.
Borges and fellow Bulldog senior grapplers Hunter Hammons, Jaden Silva and Josiah Martinez were recognized before their final home match.
“Parker’s done very well the four years he’s wrestled for us,” coach Borges said. “He’s been a great leader. Unfortunately, he hurt his ankle. We’re hoping he’ll be ready for league (championships). We made Hunter a team captain this year. He’s a role model for the younger kids. I wish we had more time with Jaden. He’s a great kid. He’s done everything we asked. Josiah is a first-year wrestler. I’m glad he joined the team. He’s a hard worker.”
Central Valley qualified for Sac-Joaquin Section Team Championships on the strength of its first-place finish in the WAC dual standings.
The Hawks set a program record for dual season wins with 21.
Central Valley also claimed its fourth WAC dual-meet title.
“I’m proud of them,” coach Beckhart said. “They’ve proven they’re one of the best teams in the area. This is something that can never be taken away from them.”
