With the postseason rapidly approaching; the Oakdale High School wrestlers are starting to get in that mode. This past Wednesday, Oakdale made short work of the Valley Oak League in their five dual day at Central Catholic. On Friday and Saturday, the boys went to Morro Bay High School for the California Invitational Tournament, where Oakdale placed fourth overall with 145.0 total points.

Brayden Abell took first place in the 106 pound bracket to help lead the Mustangs. Ceasar Garza (126), Henry Porter (132) and Cody Golding (182) each earned second place. Michael Torres (106) and Seth Borba (145) each finished in sixth.

Abell drew a first round bye and from there he went on a roll. He defeated Jimmy Reyes 8-0, and then he defeated Dylan McDonald by technical fall 15-0. Abell’s momentum continued as he put away Jonathan Salas 15-0 and in the semi-finals he defeated Jake Quintana 4-0. In the finals he pinned Joaquin Arroyo of Calvary Chapel in the first period.

Freshman Garza reached the finals as he defeated Aaron Adams via fall and followed up with another fall over Amir Hassan. In the quarterfinals Garza earned a 6-1 victory over Chase Mirelez. In the semifinals he defeated Marshall Beecham 15-0 but fell to Wayne Joint in the finals, 7-2.

Porter also placed second as he reached the finals after earning three straight technical fall victories. In the semifinals he edged out Joshua Medina 3-2 to reach the finals. He fell to Noah Mirelez of Patterson via pin in the first period of that final round to come away with the second place honors.

Senior Golding earned a trip to the finals via four pin falls. In the finals he lost to Jack Kliner of Granada 7-3.

This week, Oakdale hosts Central Catholic on Thursday, Jan. 24. That will be observed as Senior Night for the Mustangs. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

This weekend Oakdale will travel to Lincoln High School for the 2019 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Duals in Stockton.