Above: Northview’s Frank Martinez battles Trinity’s Kevin Maelfeyt in a 140-pound semifinal match Saturday duirng the CIF State championships at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. Martinez rallied to win by fall. He then followed with a 3-1 victory over Selma’s Nathan Zarate to become Northview’s third state champion

Northview’s Frank Martinez rallied for a 3-1 victory over Selma’s Nathan Zarate to win the 140-pound weight class at the CIF State wrestling championships Saturday night at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. Santa Fe’s Joey Davis dropped a tough 4-2 decision to Central Catholic’s David Ferry in the 135 final, while Alhambra’s Abel Avila and Arroyo’s Noel Blanco both took seventh in their respective classes.
Here’s my story from the final day of the state finals

Here’s some comments from all our area placers:
Northview’s Frank Martinez: “This has been my goal since I was a little kid. I always wanted to come to the state tournament and be a champion. All my hard work paid off.”
Santa Fe coach Sal Garcia on Davis taking second: “You have to balance between your offense and defense in that situation. I think if we would have gotten in on a shot, we would have won. But he had a great year. I can’t picture him not being in the finals for the next two years. He had a great year and beat some good guys. To get this far as a sophomore is quite an accomplishment.”
Alhambra’s Abel Avila: “This is incredible. I have to thank God for everything. He just blows my mind right now. I’m so excited with this opportunity just to place. I set my goals all and with all the practice, the camps, everything was all worth it..”
Arroyo’s Noel Blanco’s: “He (Temecula Valley’s Marco DeCaro) took my CIF title from me. He’s a cool kid. I have nothing against him. But I wanted pay back, and I got it.”