Central Valley High School's varsity wrestling team made history this past week.

The Hawks placed third at the Morning Star Classic on Saturday at Los Banos High School.

"That's the first time in school history we've taken a team trophy home from that tournament," Hawks head coach Rob Beckhart said. "The kids deserved it. They worked hard."

The top six individuals in each weight class medaled.

Jason Beckhart won two of three matches en route to a runner-up finish in the 220-pound division.

Angel Gonzales (132 pounds, 4-1 record) and Christian Oliver (138s, 4-1) placed third in their respective weight classes.

David Lezama (285s, 1-2) placed fourth.

Gabriel Martinez (182s, 3-1) placed fifth.

Jose Castillo (152s, 3-2) and Thomas Delgado (195s, 2-2) both placed sixth.

Wilbur Arellano (120s, 2-2), Ryan Hendrix (126s, 2-2), Alex Alvarado (160s, 2-2), Brandon Senseney (120s, 1-2) and Alex Vargas (220s, 1-2) did not place.

Central Valley's 12 grapplers had a combined record of 27-20 at the Morning Star Classic.

"I really just wanted to get the kids some matches and experience," coach Beckhart said. "That (placing third) was icing on the cake."

Zinkin Classic
Central Valley Adrian Badillo and Luis Saucedo competed at the Zinkin Classic last week at Clovis' Buchanan High School.

Badillo brought home a fifth-medal after winning four of six matches in the 195-pound class.

"Hopefully, he gains a little confidence from this," Rob Beckhart said. "He was able to wrestle some of the best wrestlers in the area. He can be a very good wrestler when he applies himself.

Saucedo posted a 2-2 record at 120 pounds.

"Luis' bracket was pretty stacked," coach Beckhart said.
"There were a lot of state qualifiers."

Bulldogs 68, Spartans 9
Ceres High School's varsity wrestling team improved its non-conference dual-meet record to a perfect 3-0 with a commanding 68-9 win over visiting Grace Davis on Wednesday at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

"We dominated them," Bulldogs head coach Steve Festa said. "We only lost two matches. We have a strong team. We have good leadership. When you work hard, you can expect good things."

Ceres High swept 12 of the 14 individual matches, including five by pin, five by forfeit, one by technical fall and one by decision.

The Bulldogs and Spartans are members of the Western Athletic Conference and Modesto Metro Conference, respectively.

"They have a young team," Festa said.

Aiden Moore won by pin (0:26) over Grace Davis' Robby White during their 160-pound bout.

Rafael Ortiz won by pin (2:21) over Jose Guerrero at 113 pounds.

Frankie Mendez won by pin (2:30) over Logan Ralanberg at 106 pounds.

Spencer Nelson won by pin (2:24) over Zackery Kinerson at 170 pounds.

Alejandro Rivera won by pin (5:08) over Margaret Boyd at 220 pounds.

Michael Vargas won by major decision (20-5) over Luis Perez at 120 pounds.

Luis Camarillo won by decision (7-5) over Philip Fuentes at 126 pounds.

The Bulldogs collected forfeit victories at 132, 138, 152, 182 and 195 pounds.

Jaden Cooper lost by decision (9-7) to Grace Davis' Eduardo Gonzalez at 145 pounds.

Cooper battled back from an 8-2 deficit before losing.

"Jaden almost pulled it out," Festa said.

Ceres High lost by forfeit at 285 pounds.