Ruben Valenzuela didn’t express any regrets after representing Central Valley High School’s varsity boys wrestling team at the CIF State Meet this past week at Mechanics Banks Arena in Bakersfield.

“It was a learning experience,” he said. “I gave it everything I had. I’m trying to get better now. “I’m going to work harder.”

Valenzuela posted an 0-2 record in the 182-pound weight bracket.

He lost by decision (11-5) to Laguna Hills senior Conner Le on Friday.

He lost by second-round pin (3:57) to Porterville senior Tyler Avila on Thursday.

Avila won a seventh-place medal.

 “It was a hard tournament,” Valenzuela said. “I can’t even lie. It’s where the best of the best go. Everybody is at state because they’re good at what they do. They (Avila and Le) just had a little more strength and technique.”

Valenzuela made history this winter by becoming the youngest male wrestler in Central Valley history to qualify for state.

“I didn’t think I’d make it this far this year,” he said. “My coaches pushed me to do what I needed to do. I pushed myself to the limits to try to be the best.”

Valenzuela has a career record of 66-18 through two seasons with the Hawks.

“One of my main goals is to get over 100 wins,” he said.

Valenzuela amassed a 35-7 record this year.

He placed at seven tournaments.

He was sixth at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships.

He took first at the Division-III, Central California Conference and Mike Tamana tournaments.

He finished second at the James Riddle Classic and fifth at the Tim Brown Memorial.

He had a 31-11 mark as a freshman.

“I’m pretty satisfied,” he said. “But I feel I could do better and improve if I keep pushing and perfect my moves.”