Bulldog wrestlers battle for win against Great Oak, lose to RBV

By Bill Tamburrino

The Ramona High wrestling team had a busy week as it battled in a tri-meet against Rancho Buena Vista and Great Oak High School at RBV.

The Dawgs beat Great Oak of Temecula 44-23. Jordan Castro, Jahziel Castro, Beau Bailey, Vince Adair, Arturo Osario, Alex Gomez, Raul Briseno and Trae Rodriguez all picked up victories over the Wolf Pack.

“We got great performances from all of our weight groups. Great Oak has a very good program,” said coach David Tomaino.

Ironically Ramona won seven bouts out of 13 in their 36-30 loss to RBV. RBV won the light weight bouts and that was the difference. Blake Hakala, Osario, Thomas Finch, Gomez, Austin Koch, Briseno and Rodriguez all won bouts in the match.

“We let one that we could have get away. I am proud of the way we competed against a very good wrestling program,” said Tomaino.

The Dawgs came away with four medals in the Jimmy Hamada LCC Classic. Briseno won the championship in the 220 weight class.

“Raul beat a returning state qualifier and a Masters Champion (Walters of Escondido) to make the finals where he won by fall in the third period. Raul has great speed for a 220-pound weight class. He moves like a 120-pounder. Winning the Hamada by beating the people that he did is very impressive,” said Tomaino.

Vince Adair beat returning CIF champion Martinez from Brawley to take a third-place medal in the 132-pound class.

“Vince avenged a previous loss to Martinez to win the medal.

“Trae Rodriguez navigated a very tough field to place fourth at Hamada. Arturo took eighth in a very tough tournament,” said Tomaino.