Trojans crowned kings of Corning mats

It was six mats, no waiting for the 45 teams that participated in the Corning Invitational on Saturday at Corning High School, as the meet returned after a one-year hiatus.

The Orland High squad used its outstanding depth to walk away with the team championship, with its 281 easily eclipsing second-place Anderson's 126. Rounding out the top-five were Corning (104), Gold Beach (102) and West Valley (96.5).

"We wrestled with good intensity and keep improving," said Orland coach Victor Perry. "I was very impressed with our second team. We brought 21 kids and 18 got medals."

Standing atop the winner's platform for the Trojans were Hugo Punzo (109 lbs.), Hermilo Esquivel (129) who was also voted the meet's Outstanding Lightweight, Jimmy Gamboa (135) and Tyler Gil (173).

Punzo scored a 1-0 decision over Live Oak's Habib Noman; Esquivel pinned his way through the meet, sticking Anderson's Alek Miller; Gamboa stopped Anderson's Jose Raya 3-0 and Gil also pinned his way to the top, with his last coming against Red Bluff's Bryce Eggert.

In addition to the Trojans who brought home the gold, Luis Hernandez took second at 185, losing to Las Plumas' Jariah Booker in the championship match. Victor Raigoza also shined up the silver at 288, being stopped in the championship by Modoc's Jerer Brandsted.

Bringing home bronze medals for third-place finishes were Taylor Enck (123), Lorenzo Landeros (129), Justin Hill (148), Dylan Hill (155), Ben Howard (185), Jake Funk (198) and Fernando Infante (223).

Fifth-place showings were turned in by Layne Embrey (116) and Mitchel McClough (163), while Cruz Ayala (135) and Tim Kirkpatrick (173) came out in seventh.

Champions

103 - Hugo Punzo, Orland

116 - Lucas Gaeth, Durham

123 - Ryan Blyleven, Clearlake

129 - Hermilo Esquivel, Orland

135 - Jimmy Gamboa, Orland

141 - Kyle Johnston, Gold Beach

148 - Jay Lysne, Lakeview

155 - Derek Cain, Gold Beach

163 - Brian Agee, Golden Sierra

173 - Tyler Gil, Orland

185 - Jariah Booker, Las Plumas

198 - Erik Miranda, Corning

223 - Austin Lobsinger, West Valley

288 - Jerer Bransted, Modoc