Local wrestling club opens season in Citrus Heights
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CITRUS HEIGHTS >> The Gladiators had twice as many wrestlers entered as the next biggest team Sunday during the season-opening SAWA Jr. Maverick Roundup tournament in Citrus Heights.
Thirty-six Gladiators took to the mats, 15 competing in their very first tournament, and two of those rookies, Gary Oakes and Yaretzi Briseno-Saucedo, came away with first-place medals.
“I have nothing but high praise for Gary and Yaretzi,” head coach Peter Stephan said. “They look like they’ve been wrestling for years. They both have that wrestling instinct and came out strong winning not only their first matches of their young careers but also their first tournament.”
Also coming away with first-place medals were Kaitlyn Crow, Brantley Paminto, Kameron Colston, Logun Whittle and Kailaya Philpot.
“There is a lot to be said about each wrestler, but I will keep it short and sweet,” Stephan said. “They wrestled like Gladiators and their hard work speaks for itself.”
Added coach Brandon Whittle, “I was impressed with the sportsmanship, their desire on the mat and the focus of the wrestlers. Whether it was their first tournament or their third season, they put their heart on the mat.
“The match that stood out to me was the last match of the night. Adin Griffin (eighth grade), who also is a first-year wrestler, had a tough match. He showed great focus and determination, knowing he was going to be outmatched and outperformed, but he showed the strength of a true gladiator. You are going to get knocked down and beat up in this sport. But true grit will prevail and if you have the desire to get better each week, the results will quickly follow.”
The Gladiators recorded 41 wins in all, 18 by pin and three others by technical fall.
Second-place medals went to Elijah Tucker, Colin Crow, Maverick Paminto
Sebastian James, John Young, Nevaeh Barocio, Joseph Szupello and Fredrick Jeffries.
Taking third-place medals were Lilly Oakes, Mattix Paminto, Olyver Dugger, Alex Marks Martinez, William Villa, Brian Cosigua, Jaxden Maitland, Wade Drew, Caterin Briseno Saucedo, Thomas Philpot, Tyler Luciano, Branson Whittle, Djoser Williams and Alyssa Hopkins.
Fourth-place finishes went to Jameson Philpot, Hector Barocio, Leroy Hopkins, Fernando Calvillo and Adin Griffin. Jason Nehring and Cameryn Gamble-Ray came in fifth.
The Gladiators return to action Nov. 24 at the Battle for the Strait in Benicia and the SCWAY Zone 2 Kickoff in Hilmar.
