If Kimball High’s Trent Nicholson thought last week’s Division IV wrestling final at 135 pounds was going to be any easier than the Valley Oak League championship match he saw with Oakdale senior Shane Tate the previous week, he was badly mistaken. Tate viciously manhandled Nicholson at will to nab 14 points in just one round. An early second round takedown brought Nicholson straight to his back, where three more near-fall points preceded a pin and the most dominant rout of any wrestler to reach the finals.

Oakdale went on to win nine weights and take an easy team title from the event.

Tate, who has been on a determined postseason tear, earns Athlete of the Week honors from The Leader for his relentless pursuit of big wins.

He and 13 teammates took on the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters finals on Friday and Saturday, the final step before the state championships.