Bulldog wrestlers win another league match

By Bill Tamburrino

Ramona High School’s young wrestling team won another Palomar League match on Thursday.

Coach Steve Koch is not afraid to let young wrestlers compete on his varsity. His young but determined grapplers beat Westview High School 57-12 to take second place in the Palomar League race.

Westview only had eight varsity wrestlers but wrestled more than 14 in the frosh and junior varsity bouts. Koch sent eight wrestlers to the mat who could have wrestled in the frosh and junior varsity bouts. They were the difference in the match.

Zach Lane started the rout in the 126 bout with a 12-6 decision over Kerrigan Henkel to give the Dawgs a lead that they would not relinquish. Kevin Conroy recorded a technical fall over Max Wesser in the 132 bout.

Isaiah Ilich (138) recorded a 4-3 decision over Joey Brennan by scoring a last second reversal on the most exciting bout of the match. Jordan Allen wrestled well in a losing effort to Eneas Kane in the 145 bout as Ramona maintained an 11-3 lead.

Kirk Kaliszewski (152) came from behind to pin Royce Muniz in 3:10 for his first Palomar League win of the season after battling back and rehabbing an injury suffered in the football season.

Jacob Grybow fell behind 14-2 before rallying in the third period, but he fell short in his comeback attempt and lost a

decision to A.J. Manuche in the 160 bout.

Devin Rhodes, Noe Hernandez and Josh Allen all won by forfeits, ensuring the match for the Bulldogs. Josh Burns then defeated Ryan Smith 5-0 in the 220 bout, the final one of the match. Chris Waldburger and Martin Dowers won forfeits to end the match.

The match didn’t start until 8:20 due to the long junior varsity and frosh matches and a Senior Night ceremony for Westview’s five senior grapplers.

Koch was disappointed that there were only eight bouts.

“We only had seven bouts last week and eight this week,” he said. “It is near the end of the season and Westview has several wrestlers that need to rest and rehab injuries so I understand why they didn’t wrestle.

“We are getting better and are right where we want to be heading into CIF and Masters. Our young team has matured and improved and will continue to do so. We battle Mt. Carmel for second place in the Palomar League next week. It is not that long of a trip. It would be nice to have our fans come and support us.”

The Dawgs take on the Sundevils at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.