Central Valley High School varsity wrestlers Joaquin Garcia, Luis Saucedo and Christian Oliver had their state tournament hopes dashed this past week.
Garcia, Saucedo and Oliver were bounced during the first day of the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships Friday at Stockton Arena.
The Hawk teammates needed to finish in the top seven in their respective weight classes to advance to the CIF State Meet.
"State was what we were shooting for," Central Valley leader Rob Beckhart said. "We need to do a better job as coaches of getting the kids ready mentally to deal with that pressure. Next year at this time, it will be a completely difference conversation."
Saucedo, a transfer from Modesto High, compiled a 1-2 record in the 113-pound weight class.
"The season Luis has had has been pretty phenomenal," Beckhart said. "He's been a big part of our team. I have no complaints."
Saucedo won by pin (3:39) over Ripon's Donny Fontillas last week.
Luis lost by decision to Kimball's Kainoa Caspillo (7-1) and Livingston's Rainier Colina (6-2).
Colina ended Saucedo's season. Luis was 0-4 against Rainier this year. Saucedo was edged out by Colina in overtime at Masters.
"He was upset," Beckhart said. "He really wanted to win the match."
Saucedo went 33-15 on the year. He won 21 matches by pin.
Luis placed second behind Colina at the Division-IV and Western Athletic Conference tournaments.
"I'm happy with his effort," Beckhart said. "He's a junior. He has one year left."
Garcia, a 182-pound senior, also posted a 1-2 record.
Joaquin won by pin (2:01) over Lodi's Justin Loveall.
He lost by decision to Fremont's Robbie Nickerson (10-4) and Laguna Creek's Tremar Moore (7-0).
Garcia (28-14, 25 pins) placed first at the WAC finals and second at Divisionals.
Ineligible as a junior because of poor grades, Garcia made a triumphant return to the Hawks.
"I'm happy for Joaquin," Beckhart said. "I wish I had more time with him."
Oliver, a 120-pound sophomore, dropped both of his matches.
He lost by decision to Casa Roble's Josh Elder (10-3) and Oak Ridge's Jackson Redhair (7-6).
Christian (28-12, 14 pins) took second at the WAC tourney and third at Divisionals.
"His commitment was there every single day," Beckhart said.
Saucedo, Garcia and Oliver helped lead the Hawks' wrestling program to new heights.
"I'm proud of them," Beckhart said.
Central Valley claimed its first-ever WAC overall title. The Hawks won all six of their league duals for the second year in a row and placed first at the conference tournament.
Central Valley also qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Team Duals for the second straight season.
