Historic Wrestling Run Continues
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Eric Osmer
Chief Wrestling Correspondent/ Wrestling Coach |
February 24, 2016
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On February 18 & 19 the Thunder Wrestling team traveled to Lincoln of Stockton High School to compete in the second of 3 tournaments in the State qualifying series. On February 11 the Thunder competed in the CCC League tournament where the top 4 placers qualify for divisionals. The team was down that week due to that horrible flu that was going around. But in true Thunder Wrestling style, the team toughed it out and got through it. The thunder qualified all 14 weight classes for divisionals.
By the end of the first day at the Divisional Tournament, the Thunder qualified 11 out to the 12 guys that were healthy enough to wrestle. Salvador Sanchez's career ended at League when he hurt his shoulder in the finals. Oscar Curiel's season and career was cut short by a knee injury.
Taking 2nd were Leem Kue, Brandon Mendoza and Ben Moran. Placing 3rd was Juan Rosales. Placing 4th was Victor Cruz. Placing 5th was Mohammad Zamani. Placing 6th was Steven Inocencio. Placing 7th was David Ortiz, and placing 8th was William Schwertscharf, Keelan Buckner and Thomas Vasquez. By placing in the top 8, each wrestler qualified for the Masters tournament at Stockton Arena next week. If they place in the top 6 at Masters they will qualify for the State meet in Bakersfield.
The Team placed 4th overall at Divisionals, just behind 2 state ranked teams. "This is quite an accomplishment for these guys. We have worked very hard year round for the last 3 or 4 years to get to this level. These guys bought into the hard work and dedication it takes to get to this level. They never quit and they were loyal to the sport, the program, this team, and most importantly, themselves" said Coach Osmer.
Next level of competition is the weekend of February 26 & 27 at Stockton Arena for the Section Masters tournament. Top 6 will qualify for the ultimate goal...The CIF California State Wrestling Tournament March 4th & 5th.
By the end of the first day at the Divisional Tournament, the Thunder qualified 11 out to the 12 guys that were healthy enough to wrestle. Salvador Sanchez's career ended at League when he hurt his shoulder in the finals. Oscar Curiel's season and career was cut short by a knee injury.
Taking 2nd were Leem Kue, Brandon Mendoza and Ben Moran. Placing 3rd was Juan Rosales. Placing 4th was Victor Cruz. Placing 5th was Mohammad Zamani. Placing 6th was Steven Inocencio. Placing 7th was David Ortiz, and placing 8th was William Schwertscharf, Keelan Buckner and Thomas Vasquez. By placing in the top 8, each wrestler qualified for the Masters tournament at Stockton Arena next week. If they place in the top 6 at Masters they will qualify for the State meet in Bakersfield.
The Team placed 4th overall at Divisionals, just behind 2 state ranked teams. "This is quite an accomplishment for these guys. We have worked very hard year round for the last 3 or 4 years to get to this level. These guys bought into the hard work and dedication it takes to get to this level. They never quit and they were loyal to the sport, the program, this team, and most importantly, themselves" said Coach Osmer.
Next level of competition is the weekend of February 26 & 27 at Stockton Arena for the Section Masters tournament. Top 6 will qualify for the ultimate goal...The CIF California State Wrestling Tournament March 4th & 5th.
