San Benito wrestlers complete strong first day at CCS; Dunn,
Lerma
&
amp; Mora look to qualify for State
Ryan Dunn has some unfinished business to take care of.
The star of San Benito’s wrestling team entered the Central Coast Section Championships as the No. 1 seed in the 215-pound weight class for the second consecutive season. But after being upset in last year’s semifinals, Dunn vowed this year would be different.
“Last year, I wrestled more defensively,” said Dunn yesterday as the two-day Section meet kicked off at Independence High School. “This year I’m trying to win and not to not lose. It’s just more offensive wrestling and not defensive wrestling.”
At least for one day, Dunn’s strategy was mission accomplished. The senior twice prevailed by big decision in the opening day to advance to this morning’s quarterfinals at Overfelt High.
“The first match is always the hardest,” said Dunn, “because you’re still trying to get the kinks out. It’s good just to get your first match out of the way.”
Entering the tournament as one of two undefeated wrestlers in the Section along with Gunn’s 112-pounder, Kiyoshi Kawano, Dunn drew a strong contender in the opening round. But alternate seed Tyler Dill of Half Moon Bay quickly became Victim No. 33 on the season.
Dunn wrapped up first-day action by scoring a big decision over Branham’s Dan Shehan.
Though Dunn has remained the focus of the team throughout the season, two other Haybalers have hopes of joining the 215-pounder in Bakersfield for the CIF State Championships next weekend. Senior Chris Mora and sophomore Armando Lerma enjoyed strong performances to put themselves in contention for one of the top-four spots in the Section meet and resulting State entry.
Mora, the No. 6 seed in the 119-pound weight class, opened the tournament with a bye and then promptly set down his second-round opponent with a pin to advance to the quarterfinals.
“I’ve just got to stay focused,” said Mora. “I need to be mentally and physically prepared. I can’t really make a mistake. I can’t afford that if I want to go to State.”
With so many quality wrestlers filling the mats and stands at the meet, Mora knew that this could be the shining moment for any of the them.
“Once you’re here, it’s only one tournament,” said Mora. “If you give it all at this tournament, that’s all you need to get to State.”
The senior was also eager to talk about the team’s success as a whole.
“I think we’re doing good,” said Mora. “We’re upsetting some people so that should build some confidence. If that confidence is up, we should keep doing good.”
Meanwhile, Lerma, the ‘Balers’ sophomore 103-pounder, spoke of the thrill to be competing at such a prestigious meet.
“You’ve just got a lot of people watching you,” said Lerma. “You’re just in front. The adrenaline gets going. I just try to focus on what I’m trying to do and block out everything else.”
That strategy paid early dividends as Lerma, the alternate seed, scored a huge first-day upset. Wrestling in his first CCS Championships, the sophomore defeated Overfelt’s Al Quenga, the No. 4 seed, 14-10.
“I didn’t even know he was the fourth seed until afterwards,” said Lerma. “I just treated him like any other guy and tried to get my shots in.”
On the heels of that victory, Lerma joined Dunn and Mora as Haybalers who have high hopes entering today’s action at Overfelt. Already having secured their status as a place-winner (top-six) at the Sections, the three ‘Balers now have designs on a top-four finish and a ticket to Bakersfield.
The quarterfinals begin this morning at 10:00am. The Championship Finals are set for 7:30pm.
