The Oakdale High School wrestlers packed up their bags and headed south for the weekend. Oakdale was one of many teams to compete at the annual Rumble For The Rig in Bakersfield on Saturday, Dec. 1. The first major tournament of the season saw Oakdale finish third as a team and they also had a pair of first place finishers.

Taking first place for the Mustangs were Brayden Abell (113) and Cody Golding (220). Abell wrestled three times and made the most of his opportunity. He made quick work of his first opponent by wining via pin fall 24 seconds into the match. Abell then battled his way to a pin fall victory with five seconds remaining in his semi-finals match to advance to the finals. In the finals he won another nail-bitter 3-2 to claim the championship.

Golding drew a first round bye and answered with a pin fall in the second period in his first and second matches. He claimed the championship with a second period pin fall as well.

Taking second place for the Mustangs was Ricky Torres at 145, going 2-1 on the day after he won his first match via pin fall in the first period. In the semi-finals he won 4-3. In the finals Torres lost 3-2.

There was a trio of third place finishers for Oakdale: Michael Torres (106), Clayton Bashor (120) and Gabe Martinez (180). Cesar Garza (126) placed fifth and Beau Osmundson (195) earned eighth overall.

“The team wrestled well, it was a solid performance to start the season,” said head coach Steve Strange.

This weekend Oakdale will host the 43rd Annual James Riddle Tournament inside the main gym. Wrestling action is scheduled for 9 a.m.