Northview wrestling shows again why it’s the most dominant program in the San Gabriel Valley

By Steve Ramirez
Northview High School has fielded one of the top wrestling programs in the CIF Southern Section for two decades.On Saturday, the Vikings outdid their own reputation, scoring one of the better efforts in Section history, obliterating the competition at the Inland Division championships at Temecula Valley High.
The Vikings, led by juniors Eddie Flores (106 pounds) and Steven Comstock (170) and senior Jackson Serna (heavyweight) won eight individual championships and qualified all 14 of their competitors for next week’s CIF-SS Masters Meet at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.
Northview finished 183.5 points ahead of second-place Temecula Valley. It was the program’s 14 divisional team title.
“I’m going to be honest. I’m speechless,” Northview coach Bobby Bellamy said. “I know I keep saying the same thing over again about the credit goes to the kids. But that’s all you can say when you see their effort and how they wrestle with so much passion. This is not an easy place to win at,
“Our kids persevered. They pushed past all the challenges. I’m just extremely happy and proud, all in one.”
The other champions for Northview were Dominick Arellano (113), Jason Valencia (120), Gabriel Cortez (132), Rick Marin (138) and Rigo Estrada (220). San Marino sophomore Beau Perez also won at 126. Perez was lower-weight MVP after scoring four wins by fall and one major decision.
The other area qualifiers were Northview’s Andrew Alamo (126, third), Zack Cunningham (145), Daniel Sanchez (152, fifth), Brando Reynoso (160, fifth), Lucian Duran (182, third) and David Barela (195, fourth); Rowland’s Richard Rojo (106, third) and Murrillo Armando (132, third); La Puente’s Edward Cox (170, fifth); San Dimas’ James Farmer (220, fifth) and Damien’s David Acosta (126, fourth).
Comstock’s win came after he missed most of the season with an injury. He followed up last week’s Valle Vista League win by scoring two wins by fall and defeating Mira Costa’s Jean Paul LeBosnoyani 13-9. LeBosnoyani defeated Comstock at Masters last season.
“My team pushed me, Coach Bellamy pushed me,” Comstock said. “The whole coaching staff, the school is awesome. Everyone is just a part of this win.
“It definitely feels a lot better, knowing I beat the kid who beat me last year. It’s a great feeling. But I just have to keep pushing through each match. These matches are tough. I’m winded, but we’re going to be good for the next few weeks.”
Serna won for the second consecutive season, beating Murrieta Mesa’s Rodrigo Nolan 6-3 in the final.
“It’s amazing,” Serna said of his team’s effort. “We have 14 guys going to Masters, which is amazing, but we trained all year and got progressively better. I still feel we’re underrated and you’re going to see what happens at Masters next week.”
NORTHERN DIVISION
The area qualified 18 competitors for Masters, led by Bonita’s Gevorg Hope, who won at 160.
The other qualifiers were Bonita’s Robert Casanave (106, third), Ryan Marquez (120, fifth) and Geovanny Torres (170, second); Montebello’s Ernie Espinoza (113, fourth) and Jesus Langarica (132, second); South Hills’ Dean Pons (120, third), Zack Pons (126, fourth), Nicholas McGuire (145, third) and Trung Tran (160, fourth); Schurr’s Adrian Guevara (120, fourth); Diamond Bar’s Micheal Cardial (126, second); California’s Christian Espinoza (126, third) and Seth Atilano (182, second); Santa Fe’s Eric Salas (138, fourth), Ronny Peraza (152, third) and James Cortez (220, fourth) and Alhambra’s Bobby Ramirez (195, fifth).
COASTAL DIVISION
Arroyo led area efforts with two qualifiers — Victor Atherton (106, second) and Andy Voong (195, fifth). Gabrielino’s Harrison Sanin (138, fifth) also qualified.
CENTRAL DIVISION
Eight area competitors qualified, led by La Mirada’s Carlos Reyes and La Habra’s Brandon Murray, who were second at 132 and 170, respectively.
Other area qualifiers were Sierra Vista’s Alfredo Mares (113, fourth); Sonora’s Richie Herrera (113, fifth) and Hiwad Stanekzai (132, fourth); Bishop Amat’s Sidney Flores (120, fourth) and Vincent Moran (220, fifth) and La Mirada’s Manuel Romero (138, fourth).
EASTERN DIVISION
Walnut’s Collin Hayes led an area list of six qualifiers by winning at 126.
The other area qualifiers were Walnut’s Daniel McNicholl (113, third), Brian Mariscal (120, fourth), Christian Elias (160, fifth) and Vincent Narvaez (Hwt., fifth) and Charter Oak’s Gustavo Garcia (152, second).

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email