Elk Grove Send Eight To State Wrestling Meet

Elk Grove's wrestling squad continued to flex its muscles by qualifying eight wrestlers Friday for next week's California State Wrestling Meet in Bakersfield.

Joey Lopez, EGHS 106-pounds

The Herd finished second in team points at the Sac-Joaquin Section's Masters Wrestling Tournament which concluded Friday at the Stockton Arena.

Elk Grove's 132-pounder Martin Ramirez took first place for the third year in a row at the Masters by defeating Julian Purdy of Nevada Union, 6-4. Two years ago he won the 119-pound class and last year was the 126-pound champion.

Ramirez now joins Adam Coffing as Elk Grove's only three-time Masters' champion.

Josh Letuligasenoa, EGHS 220 pounds

Finishing second in their weight group was 106-pounder Joey Lopez and 220-pounder Josh Letuligasenoa.  Ethan Larabee finished fifth at 113-pounds. Sunny Jackson also was a fifth-place finisher at 138 pounds, as was Braden Henderson at 145.

Scott Votino grabbed fourth place at 170 pounds. At 285 pounds, Jaharee Taylor beat Sheldon's Sam Alnassari for seventh place. The top seven at each weight advances to the State meet.

The team championship went to Vacaville on the strength of nine wrestlers qualifying for state and three individual Masters' winners. 

Franklin's promising freshman wrestler Josh Villaflor finished seventh at 120 pounds and will represent his school at the State Meet.

[my thanks to Dave Clarke for the photos]