The Mustangs honored nine seniors in front of a large crowd
gathered inside Bob Hagen Gym prior to Wednesday’s Tri-Country
Athletic League dual meet against rival San Benito.
After the ceremony, it was business as usual for the home team
in a 47-25 triumph to close out the regular season.
GILROY
The Mustangs honored nine seniors in front of a large crowd gathered inside Bob Hagen Gym prior to Wednesday’s Tri-Country Athletic League dual meet against rival San Benito.
After the ceremony, it was business as usual for the home team in a 47-25 triumph to close out the regular season.
Seniors Rodney Balajadia, Jesse Delgado, Vincente Aboytes, Mike Lucero, Adam Rosso and Luis Barragan are on track for their fourth straight Central Coast Section team title and the eighth in a row for the Mustangs’ program. Senior transfer Dominic Kastl, a three-time CCS individual champ, is in search of his first team-title after finishing runner-up a year ago with St. Francis.
“It’s their last home meet in front of their home crowd against Hollister,” head coach Greg Varela said. “They wanted to put on a good show and do their part. It’s just great that we can count on the seniors like that. They are definitely sharpening their claws getting ready for state.”
Wednesday’s win gives the Mustangs their eighth straight undefeated league dual meet season.
Both teams showcased why they are considered the top-two squads in the TCAL and are predicted to finish first and second at Saturday’s league championship tournament in Gilroy.
The Balers built an early 13-5 lead after capturing three of the first four bouts. However, once the meat of the Mustangs’ lineup began to take the mat, the momentum swung toward the fourth-ranked team in the state.
“I knew it was going to be rough because we bumped a few guys up in weight class,” Varela said. “They are tough. I’ve got nothing but great things to say about Hollister. They have been our rival for so long because they are so good. They are well coached and the kids are tough. For them to come out and battle us was no surprise.”
After Leif Dominquez earned a 17-2 technical fall in the opening match of the night, the Balers stormed back, getting three key victories, including a pin by Robb Rodriguez and a 6-3 decision from Junior Davila.
“I think we did pretty good,” Davila said. “We gave it all we got. We just have to keep working hard. We are working toward CCS and state, so this is just practice.”
The tide began to turn as Delgado, Willie Fox and Blake Kastl picked up three wins in a row. Kastl didn’t waste any time, pinning his man in 40 seconds.
The Balers responded with two straight decision victories, pulling to within four team points, 23-19.
But three consecutive pins by Aboytes, Dominic Kastl and Ben Torricer blew the gap open as the Mustangs took a commanding 41-19 lead.
The quickest pin of the night went to Dominic Kastl, when he disposed of his opponent in 22 seconds.
“This is probably one of the more memorable moments,” said Aboytes, who missed the last few weeks resting an injury. “My condition is still there. I didn’t miss a run, I didn’t miss a lift and I didn’t miss one practice. Getting that three-week rest really helped my body.”
Gilroy High will be the site of Saturday’s TCAL championship tournament. Competition will begin between 9 and 10 a.m. The CCS championship are two weeks away, followed by the state meet during the first weekend of March.
