DOWNEY - The Downey High School wrestling team traveled to the high desert last Saturday to compete at the C.I.F. Division IV Dual Meet Wrestling Championship at the University of Antelope Valley.The Vikings were eliminated in the quarterfinal round by top seeded and defending champion Bloomington, 39-30. Downey finished their dual meet season with an overall record of 14-3 and league record of 3-1. Downey defeated an overmatched California High team 72-3 in the opening round. San Gabriel Valley League champion Paramount defeated Highland 41-25 in their first round dual. The Pirates were then defeated by Buena 42-24 in the quarterfinal round. Downey and Paramount were the only S.G.V.L. teams to compete at the duals as Warren, the third-place finisher in league, did not apply for an at-large bid. Bloomington, the top seed, had a bye in the first round. Montclair defeated Lancaster 57-18 and Bishop Amat defeated Ventura 34-23. On the other side of the bracket, Buena defeated Alemany 42-36, Canyon Springs defeated Colton 75-6 and Quartz Hill defeated Chaffey 46-15. As previously mentioned, Bloomington defeated Downey 39-30 and Bishop Amat defeated Montclair 57-17 in the quarterfinal round to advance to the semifinal round. On the other side of the bracket, Buena defeated Paramount 42-24 and Canyon Springs defeated Quartz Hill 44-36 in the quarterfinal round to advance to the semifinal round. One semifinal saw Bloomington dismantle Bishop Amat 59-12 and the other semifinal saw Canyon Springs defeat Buena 39-22. The championship final saw Bloomington defeat Canyon Springs 42-28 to win the Division IV title. Interestingly, Downey wrestled Bloomington to their closest match of the dual meet. Unfortunately for Downey, C.I.F. Duals are single elimination and Downey was eliminated in the quarterfinal round. The Vikings will now turn their attention to C.I.F. individual competition at Los Osos High School today and tomorrow. Top placers will then qualify for the Master's Meet next weekend at Temecula Valley High School. Top Master's Meet placers will then qualify for the state meet in Bakersfield the following weekend. Coach Soto's team is young this year, with the core of his team being sophomores and juniors that will return next year. Things certainly look good for Downey wrestling next year and a deeper run at the C.I.F. Duals and potential Division IV championship will no doubt be a goal.

********** Published: February 14, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 44