By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
CVs Saucedo wraps up career in Bakersfield
lsaucedo.tiff
Central Valley senior Luis Saucedo accomplished a lifelong goal this year by advancing to the CIF State Wrestling Championships. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Luis Saucedo represented Central Valley High School's varsity wrestling program for the final time this past week when he competed at the 44th annual CIF State Championships.

The 113-pound senior compiled an 0-2 record on Friday at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.

"It was fun wrestling there even though I didn't do as well as I wanted to do," Luis said. "I just tried to stay focused. I wish I could have done better. But I don't have any regrets. I went out there and gave my best."

Saucedo dropped his opening match by second-round pin (2:31) to eventual state-champion Ethan Leake of Buchanan.

"I knew it was going to be tough," Saucedo said. "He was the No. 1 guy. I wrestled him before. He beat me by points at the Tim Brown Invitational last year. I didn't expect to get pinned. I put myself in that position. It was bad movement on my part. It should have been a closer match."

Mountain Carmel's Kenji Beato eliminated Saucedo from the tournament.

Beato won by decision (3-1).

"I didn't wrestle the way I usually do," Saucedo said. "I was a little nervous. It was a make-or-break match. The guy was good. The little mistakes I made cost me. I could have wrestled smarter."

Determined to make program history during his final season with the Hawks, Saucedo became just the second male wrestler from Central Valley High School to qualify for the state tournament.

"I knew this was my last year," Luis said. "It motivated me to work harder. I improved as a wrestler. I'm happy. I'm proud of what I accomplished. To be a part of it (state) was cool. It was a good experience."

Saucedo earned a berth to state after placing sixth overall at the Feb. 26-27 Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships.

He won titles at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV and Western Athletic Conference tournaments.

Luis had an overall record of 36-17 this season.
Saucedo went 33-15 last year.

He dropped two of three matches while failing to make it past the first day of the Masters tournament.

Luis also had to settle for runner-up honors at the Division-IV and WAC championships.

"I'm happy he was able to achieve his goal," Hawks head coach Rob Beckhart said. "He's put a lot of time into the sport. He's been wrestling since the age of seven. He's got a ton of talent."

"It's a really tough sport, mentally and physically," Saucedo said. "There have been times where I thought why I continue to do this. I enjoy wrestling. I plan on competing in college. I'm still debating where to go."