Ceres High's Keegan Overbey finished in the top 12 in the 125-pound weight division of the 13th annual Western Invitational last month at Modesto Junior College. The second-year wrestler won three of five matches, including one by technical fall, major decision and decision.

"He was one match away from placing," head coach Jon Nowicki said. "That's a real strong showing for a sophomore."

A total of 10 Bulldogs competed at the Dec. 21-22 event.

"Almost everybody won at least one match," Nowicki said. "That was pretty good."

Just two of Ceres High's grapplers survived the first day of the 47-team tournament: Overbey and Dustin Espinoza.

Espinoza posted a 2-1 record at 135 pounds on Dec. 21. The senior had to watch from the stands on Dec. 22 because he came in 0.7 pounds overweight.

"He was pretty disappointed," Nowicki said. "To me, it's an eye opener. We (coaches) need to make sure the kids know how to make weight the second day."

Sophomores Curtis Hulstine (112 pounds), Shawn Amirfar (130), Tony Spinella (152) and Christian Moore (160) finished with identical 1-2 records.

Brian Naylor (103), Frankie Cordero (119), Nathan Glow (145) and Diego Garcia (275) all lost twice.

"Brian ran into some tough competition," Nowicki said. "Frankie wrestled really tough for his first matches ever."