Wrestlers take second in Rotary invitational

For the second week in a row, the Bulldog wrestlers did exceptionally well at a tournament, taking second place out of 28 teams in the San Clemente Rotary Invitational.

National power Poway won the tourney. Ramona and Poway will be opponents in the Palomar League next season.

“Our goal this year was to get better every week and we have done that,” said Ramona coach Steve Koch. “We are wrestling our best right now. Some young wrestlers have matured into varsity competitors.”

Spaso Ilich won the 130-pound division and in doing so won the Champion of Champions trophy.

“His weight class had more ranked wrestlers than any other class and he was the upset winner with a pin, a major decision and two tough decisions,” said Koch.

Brodie Chenowth was the tourney champion in the 152-pound class, adding three more pins to his assault on the school record for pins.

Connor Koch took third place in the 125-pound division. His only loss came on a controversial call in the semifinals to the eventual champion.

Kirk Kaliszewski (135) went 3-1 to take the consolation championship in his second varsity tourney.

Jarod Widner (145) tied for third place despite not being able to practice all week to heal a minor injury.

Thomas Pacheco took home a fifth place medal in the 160-pound class.

“He keeps on improving every week,” said Koch.

Devin Rhodes (171) took third place and recorded three pins to win a bronze medal.

Marshal Thrasher recorded two pins on his way to taking second place and silver medal. Thrasher also had limited practice time due to a sore shoulder.

“Jake Kaliskis wrestled his best of the year. He is becoming a very good wrestler,” Koch said after the heavyweight won the consolation championship.

With league finals, CIF, Masters and the state meet coming up, the Bulldog wrestlers are maturing at just the right time.