Recap of first day of wrestling

The High Desert brought a strong contingent, but was largely left licking its wounds after the first day of the CIF State Championships in Bakersfield.

Sultana brought five wrestlers, and had two make it to Saturday, both ranked third in their weight classes. And there was some tough luck involved, as Ryan Fillingame (125) was forced to default his quarterfinal match because of a migraine. Coach Rocky Humphrey said the first priority is to get him hydrated and feeling better. Then, with more water in his system, the issue might be whether Fillingame can make weight Saturday morning.

The news is better for Cody Bollinger (145), who will wrestle second-ranked Alex Rodriguez of Fresno Washington Union in the semifinals Saturday morning.

Sultana, the CIF-SS Masters team champion last week, is only 20th in the team standings, but could be 12th if Fillingame had won his quarterfinal match by just a minor decision.

Hesperia’s two qualifiers both were eliminated, including 189-pounder Danny Reyes, who was eighth last year.

Silverado’s two wrestlers didn’t make it to day 2, same as Victor Valley.

Barstow 112-pounder Sean Silva (who also qualified last year) lost in the quarterfinals, but remains alive Saturday. He’ll need to win his first match Saturday to secure a spot in the top eight.

Redlands East Valley’s Andrew Hudson wrestled well, but was pinned by the top-ranked wrestler at 215 pounds in the quarterfinals and like Silva, will have to win his first match today to secure a medal. He did much better than the Citrus Belt League’s other two qualifiers: Miller’s Alfredo Velazquez and Carter’s Kenny Breaux, who each lost their first two matches.

San Gorgonio’s Richie Cascante won his first match, but lost his next two.

As for those in the West End of San Bernardino County, in the Inland Valley, it was a rough day. Rancho Cucamonga’s Joey Lemond lost in the final round of consolation on Friday and was eliminated. Ontario’s Jaime Jimenez did not make it that far.

It marks the first year since 2001 the Inland Valley will not have a state placer.