For the first time this season, the Oakdale High School wrestling team found major success on the mat. This past Friday and Saturday, the team traveled to Sacramento’s Cal Expo for the 23rd annual Tim Brown Memorial Tournament. As a team, Oakdale placed second overall with 171.5 points, just 2.5 points off the leader Spanish Springs.

Taking first place for the Mustangs were Michael Torres (106), Gabe Martinez (170) and Cody Golding (195). The Mustangs did have multiple placers in the tournament including Clayton Bashor (120, placed eighth), Cesar Garza (126, third place) and Justin Jericoff (152, sixth place).

Torres, a freshman, defeated Albert Trung 11-0, Liam Nelson via fall, Johnathan Fredrickson 15-0, Salahdin Farukh 9-2 and in the finals he defeated Danny Myles of Oakmont 7-6.

Martinez, a senior, had a first round bye and dominated the rest of the field. In his path to the championship Martinez defeated Phil Conner via fall, Leo Muniz via fall, got a fall over Joseph Mintmier, defeated Dylan Humbird and capped off his championship performance with a 8-4 victory over Bret Harte’s Kodiak Stephens.

Golding, a senior, battled his way to a championship with wins over Conner Bryson, Jackson Kohls, Kaden West, and Elliot Houghten.

On Wednesday, Jan. 16 the boys will head to Modesto for the first Valley Oak League duals of the season. Wrestling action takes place at Central Catholic with grappling beginning at 1 p.m.