Sophomore Michael Torres, wrestling at 106 pounds for the Mustangs, had a huge weekend at the annual Doc Buchanan Tournament in Clovis.
In his second match on Friday afternoon, Jan. 3, Torres stunned the number one seeded Tyler Vazquez of Delbarton School of New Jersey, scoring a hard-fought 11-9 win. He followed that up with a major decision on Friday evening to earn a trip to the semi-finals on Saturday. In the semi-finals Torres defeated Joe Mernau of Montini Catholic 12-4.
His quest for a championship fell just short, however, against Raymond Lopez of Buchanan High School. Torres ended the tournament with second place honors after losing in the finale via fall.
“Outstanding performance by Michael,” said Mustangs head coach Steve Strange. “He continues to live up to and exceed high expectations. He deserves everything that comes his way.”
Ceasar Garza (152) placed eighth overall. Garza defeated Jed Campos of Del Oro 3-0 in the round of 16. He fell to Sonny Santiago of St. John Bosco 5-3 in the quarterfinals. Santiago went on to place third overall. In his final match of the weekend, Garza lost to Joe Roberts in the seventh place match 5-1, gaining the top eight finish. Roberts wrestles for Montini Catholic.
Seth Borba, Johnathan Hernandez and Clayton Bashor also made the trip to Clovis but did not place.
Meanwhile, several other Mustang wrestlers saw action a little closer to home, as they suited up for the Friday-Saturday Lloyd C. Engel Tournament in nearby Escalon.
Oakdale results at the event in Escalon, as provided by tournament officials, included: Alan Casey, first place, Pool A, 115 pounds; Colton Silva, fourth place, Pool A, 115 pounds; Logan Thomas, fourth place, Pool B, 115; Samuel Neely, fourth, Pool A, 128; Jack Hopkins, third, Pool C, 128.
Taking home first place honors in Pool A at 134 pounds was Spencer Von Savoye, who also was voted as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Lightweight Wrestler.
Payne Perkins took third place, Pool A, 147 pounds; Francisco Perez, fourth, Pool A, 147; Brian Pantoja, fourth, Pool D, 147; Brock Osmundson, third, Pool B, 154 pounds; Chris Burns, second, Pool C, 154; Alex Jones, third, Pool D, 154. Also, Garrison Gerber, fourth, Pool A, 162 pounds; Andres Guerrero, fourth, Pool B, 172; Alfonso Ramirez, second, Pool B, 184; Geno Sarale, third, Pool C, 197; and Roye Rodriguez, second, Pool B, 222 pounds.
This weekend Oakdale will compete at the Tim Brown Memorial at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Wrestling action begins Friday morning at 9 a.m.
