CIF State Wrestling Championships: Area bites back with six semifinalists


By Stephen Ramirez
steve.ramirez@langnews.com
@SteveRRamirez on Twitter
BAKERSFIELD >>
Area wrestlers, after not producing a state finalists the previous two seasons, had their day of redemption on Friday
Six locals advanced to the semifinals, with six others in line to earn top-eight medals highlighted the first day of the CIF State championships at Rabobank Arena.
San Marino, which won its first CIF-Southern Section Masters title last week, continued its upward trend, getting four to this morning’s semifinals. Julian Flores (132 pounds), who had advanced to the semifinals the past two seasons, led the contingent that also includes Zander Silva (113), Zander Wick (145) and Luke Troy (152).
Northview’s Ricky Padilla (160) and Sonora’s Russell Rohlfing (126) round out the area semifinalists.
The six will face morning matches beginning at 9:30 a.m. for a chance to advance to the finals, scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

“It’s great,” said Flores, of San Marino’s effort. “As a team, we want to be on top. Hopefully, we can continue to do well in this tournament.”
Still alive for a top-eight finish are San Dimas’ David Gonzalez (113); Northview’s Richie Casillas (120) and Joe Dominguez (145); San Marino’s Evan Wick (138); Bishop Amat’s Nigel Ruiz (145) and Damien’s Patrick Sanchez (285).
All but Dominguez advanced to the quarterfinals before losing. All will also need to win in the consolation fifth round, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., to earn a top-eight medal.
Dominguez lost in the third round, but came back to win two consolation rounds to advance to today.
Flores was steady all day, scoring two close decisions before dominating Kenny Jones (Lassen), 10-1, in the quarterfinals.
“It’s nice to be back in the semis,” Flores said. “The last two years I made it to the semis and failed to do what I set out to do. This year, I have so much more confidence, and I feel a lot more confident for tomorrow.”
Silva was dominant at 113, earning a technical fall and a win by fall before beating Javier Alaniz (Clovis West), 10-2, in the quarterfinals.
Troy and Padilla advance after earning Master titles last week.

“It’s not my goal (to just get to the semis),” Padilla said. “I want to be at the top of the podium at the end of the day.”
Rohlfing advanced after losing in the quarterfinals last season.

“Last year, I lost in the quarters, so this is really big for me,” Rohlfing said. “I’m really excited. I’m just going to take it to him.”
Failing to qualify for today were Montebello’s Nico Gomez (106); Bishop Amat’s Sidney Flores (106); Northview’s Andres Hooper (126) , Andres Estrada (132) and Roger Arce (170); Sonora’s Josh Kawaguchi (132); California’s Richard Pocock (132); Charter Oak’s Antonio Zavala (152) and San Marino’s Aaron Padilla (160)

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