The Ceres Pups Wrestling Club closed out the 2022 folkstyle season this past month.

Landon Ormonde, Parker Borges, Mathias Kangas and Jackson Whittenburg represented the Pups at the State of California Wrestling State Kids Championships, March 18-20, at Clovis East High School.

Adam Borges, Tony Ormonde and Mark Kangas served as coaches.

“We started the season with 42 wrestlers,” said Steve Festa, the club’s president and founder. “We went to 10 tournaments. It was a grind every weekend. The perseverance the kids showed is amazing. It’s important to finish what you start.”

Landon Ormonde and Parker Borges brought home individual medals from Clovis.

“I want to give them praise for what they did,” Festa said. “They earned it.”

Ormonde finished fifth overall in the 10-and-under 67-pound weight division.

He compiled a 3-2 record.

Ormonde collected wins against The Empire’s Jeff Flores (decision), Durham’s Mateo Arriaza (decision) and El Grove Wrestling Academy’s William McConnell (pin).

Borges placed seventh in the 15-and-under 112-pound weight division.

He compiled a 3-2 record.

Borges collected wins against Tracy Wrestling Club’s Keaton Bly (decision), San Clemente Youth Wrestling’s Bryson Floyd (pin) and Valley Vandals’ Mason Hernandez (pin).

He was seeded 16th for the tournament.

“He battled his way up the ranks and earned the medal,” Festa said.

Pups Mathias Kangas and Jackson Whittenburg gained valuable mat experience at the state tournament.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Festa said.

Kangas posted a 1-2 record in the 6-and-under 42-pound weight class.

Whittenburg posted a 1-2 record in the 8-and-under 51-pound weight class.

“They did amazing,” Festa said.