D’backs, Cougars send 7 to Masters

EL DORADO — A very tough and talented Oakdale wrestling team dominated the Division IV meet at Union Mine this weekend, but Union Mine bested every other team, finishing second against stiff competition.

The Diamondbacks landed four wrestlers in the finals and three came away with titles.

“This was a great event for all of El Dorado County. The whole tournament went well and I am very proud of our wrestlers and their performances," Union Mine coach Tim Brown said. "Now we'll get ready for Masters and see what happens.”

In addition, El Dorado placed one in the finals and advanced two to the Masters Meet at the Stockton Arena this Friday and Saturday.

Cougar coach Dave Pimentel said, “Some breaks just didn't go our way in certain matches but we have two wrestlers competing next week. The two days gave many of our guys some experience and I am very optimistic about the future for our team.”

The highlight for the county teams was the 132-pound finals match between Union Mine's Cody Tow and El Dorado's Kyle Ferguson, the second time in a week the pair met in the championships.

Tow, who pinned Ferguson last week, found the Cougar tougher the second time around. He held off Tow's attempt's to turn him forcing Tow to score takedowns and give Ferguson optional escapes en route to an 11-3 victory, the fourth division title of his high school career.

“I really need to maintain my focus and train harder. To win today was great but next week will be a real test at Masters and help me to get ready for the State Tournament," Tow said.

Ferguson, a sophomore, said, “The match was tough but I really gained some confidence. Things went well for me at this tournament and I'll work harder to get ready for next week."

Fighting a virus, the effects of cutting weight and a lack of mat time because of an injury, Union Mine sophomore Sean Tow (142) wasted little time taking Vista del Lago's Chris Chovenac down and turning him for a 5-0 lead. Sean dominated the match to win 17-6 and earn his first division championship.

“I am really starting to feel good and wrestling well," Sean said. "This is such a mental sport and all the sports I play have really prepared me for these types of tournaments where I have to stay focused and mentally tough when I walk on the mat. Every time my brother and I wrestle we do it in the memory of our father because one of his dreams was for us to wrestle varsity together."

D'back freshman James Warden (162) used arm bars and a tilt to manhandle River City's Robert Perez on the way to a 15-0 technical fall and the division championship.

“This is such a great sport — it's my favorite. There is so much heartbreak but moments like this also make it so rewarding,” Warden said.

D'back Mitch Woods (173) wrestled a tough match against Oakdale's Trent Noon before falling 15-4 and finishing second.

Union Mine's Chris Vasquez (217) bounced back from a semifinal loss to take third. El Dorado's Coleman Johns fell behind 7-1 in his third-place match but rallied to knot the score late in the third. A last-second takedown attempt came up short and Johns settled for fourth. Both advance to the Masters Meet.