Analy and El Molino wrestling teams ratcheted up the intensity level last weekend, with both high schools sending contingents to the 19th annual King of the Mat Tournament hosted by Windsor.
The action actually began on Jan. 19 with the Prince of the Mat JV tourney, and continued all day Saturday with high-level varsity competition.
The King of the Mat has evolved into a litmus test for elite high school wrestlers over the years and the 2018 edition was more of the same, including several of the top programs in Northern California and Nevada.
Spanish Springs repeated as tournament champion with a winning total of 217 points. Rounding out the top five teams were Benicia (180.5), Folsom (170), Windsor (135) and Northgate (101).
The Lions kicked off the weekend on Friday with a handful of athletes competing in the JV tournament, including 115-pound freshman Erik Dimond (3rd place), 112-pound freshman Zavier Grech (0-2) and 172-pound sophomore Coleman Hayes (2-1), Freshman Hannah Ricioli, the lone female at the tournament, went 1-2 in the 140-pound weight class, including a pin over her Casa Grande opponent.
On Saturday, El Mo had two competing wrestlers at the King of the Mat, including 108-pound Erik Dimond (0-2) and 184-pound Sire Clark (1-2).
The Lions began the week with an SCL dual meet at Healdsburg, a meet that included forfeits by both teams in several weight classes. When the dust finally cleared, the Greyhounds claimed a 37-36 win.
“It was a bit of heartbreaker as we fell just short of victory,” El Mo coach Ron Wright reported. “Wyatt Ayers and Coleman Hayes scored victories for the Lions with a pin. After the match the two teams signed cards and took photos to send along well wishes for College Park wrestler Ryan Joseph, who was injured last week in a match.”
Also on Saturday, the Lions sent wrestlers Angelica Schmeichel and Ricioli to the Jesse Bethel girls tourney in Vallejo. Ricioli went 3-2 in the 145-pound weight division to garner fifth place, while 139-pound Schmeichel went 0-2 on the day.
El Molino will resume SCL dual meet action on Jan. 23 (after press time) at Piner, and will host Analy and Elsie Allen in a tri-meet on Jan. 25 (Senior Night, 6 p.m.). On Jan. 27, the Lions will send athletes to both the Puma Classic tourney at Maria Carrillo and the Windsor girls tournament.
Tigers medal at KOM
The Tigers were well represented at the Windsor KOM on Saturday, as 122-pound returning senior state qualifier Trevor Bagan led the way with a first place medal. Also turning in strong efforts were 115-pound Preston Bagan (5th place), heavyweight Alex Perriera (8th place) and 132-pound Jimmy Carreras (0-2).
The team was energized by the return of veteran coach Ryan Stevens, a popular Analy High teacher who has battled health issues for the past year.
