Wrestlers make it to Master's meet

DOWNEY -- The Warren High School wrestling team finished their dual season in exciting fashion by defeating arch rivals Paramount and Downey in the C.I.F. Division VI semifinal and final, 27-27 (criteria decision) and 37-30, respectively.However, the Bears wrestled on in C.I.F. The Bears sent 11 of 14 wrestlers, in different weight classes, on to C.I.F. in Corona on Feb. 17-18. The Bears wrestled well at C.I.F. and sent four wrestlers on to the Master's Meet at Temecula Valley on Feb. 24-25. Darren Donate (120), Michael Morales (132), Sean "little Rock" Thompson (195) and Julio Flores (220) all advanced by defeating several opponents. Donate, Morales and Flores all placed fifth and Thompson placed third. Warren sent more wrestlers on to the Master's meet than any other school in the area. Once at Master's however, the last Bear lost and the Warren High School wrestling season was over. No Bear qualified for the state meet in Bakersfield held this past weekend. St. John Bosco freshmen brothers Zahid (106) and Andrew (126) Valencia both earned state titles in their respective weight classes and Downey High School standout, and former Sussman Pioneer, Robert Chism (285) avenged two earlier losses to Nour Abdullatif of Eleanor Roosevelt High School at C.I.F. and Master's, the previous two weeks, with a pin to place fifth. Coach Brogden is looking forward to next season as several key wrestlers will return, most notably junior 106 pounder Andy Garcia and sophomore 120 pounder Darren Donate. The Warren High School J.V. team were also league champions and several key performers will step up and fill varsity spots next year. Warren wrestling will certainly be the hunted next year as they look to defend both their undefeated league and C.I.F. Division VI dual team titles.

********** Published: March 08, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 47