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Wrestling Mustangs Take Fifth At Zinkin Classic
JV Grapplers In Escalon
Burns OAK
Oakdales Matt Burns, wrestling at 145 pounds, had a tough time in this match against his Lathrop opponent, ultimately losing here but fighting his way to second place overall honors in the weight class in Saturday JV tournament action. Leader Photos By Marg Jackson

The Oakdale varsity wrestling team made the trip to Buchanan High School for a two-day tournament that began on Friday, Dec. 16 and wrapped up on Saturday afternoon. Oakdale, coming off their hot performance at the 41st annual James Riddle, hit a speed bump at the Zinkin Classic as the team placed fifth overall in the tough competition. Oakdale scored a combined 127 team points.

Three Oakdale wrestlers found themselves in the finals on Saturday afternoon. Dustin Chavez (120), Ricky Torres (138) and Colbey Harlan (182) all advanced to the finals but came up just short as the three Mustangs finished the tournament in second place. At 170 pounds, Abel Garcia fell in the semifinals round but wound up placing third in the competitive division. Gabe Martinez (160) placed fifth and Luis Ayala (195) finished in seventh for Oakdale.

Today, Wednesday, Dec. 21 Oakdale will travel to Modesto Junior College for the Mike Tamana Invite. The tournament begins at 9 a.m. In a more extensive road trip, the team will pack their bags and head to Canonsburg, Pennsylvania for the Powerade tournament. The team will head to the East Coast on Tuesday, Dec. 27 and the tournament begins on Dec. 28 and wraps up on Dec. 29. Fifty schools from around the country will compete in this huge tournament, and Oakdale is the only California representative.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

Oakdale’s junior varsity wrestlers headed to Escalon on Saturday, Dec. 17 to take part in the Mel Focha Tournament. Oakdale found success as nine wrestlers placed in the top three of their respective weight classes. Taking first place were Jackson Ruvalcaba (152) and Justin Jericoff (160) for Oakdale. Second place honors went to Drew Warren (132), Matt Burns (145) and Trey Smith (220). The Mustangs had four of their grapplers place third in the tournament with Walter Lemons (113), Mauro Sandoval (126), Elijah Bailey (138) and Luc Cartucci (160) all earning medals over the weekend.