Wrestler Andy Garcia finishes 3rd at Mann Classic

DOWNEY - The Warren High School wrestling team has had a busy December.The Bears competed in the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbit Invitational on December 8th and followed that up with the Downey Viking Invitational December 14-15. The Bears then competed at the Mann Classic at Rancho Santiago Community College December 21-22 and closed the month of December at the Clinch Gear Tournament of Champions held at Tustin High School December 28-29. Bear standout Andy Garcia (106) placed 3rd at the Mann Classic by defeating Jorge Campos of Colony 4-2. Warren Bear Richard Medina, (also 106), finished in seventh place by defeating Raymond Shoats of Elsinore by fall at 3:25. Warren Bear Adrian Duarte (113) finished in eighth place after losing a decision to Joey Rodriguez of Arroyo 11-7. Overall, the Bears finished in 31st place with 79.5 points. There were over 50 teams competing at the Mann Classic. Laguna Hills was the tournament winner with a team score of 273.5 points. Laguna Hills had 11 of their 14 wrestlers place in the top eight of their respective weight classes. Andy Garcia (106) was the only Bear who placed at the Clinch Gear Tournament of Champions held last weekend at Tustin High School. Garcia finished in fifth place after pinning Isai Villalta of San Pasqual at the 2:34 mark. Overall, Warren finished in 28th place with 57.5 points, Gahr was 30th with 48.5 points and Paramount was 31st with 48 points, respectively. There were over 40 teams competing this past weekend at the Clicnh Gear Tournament of Champions. Long Beach Poly was the tournament winner with a team score of 187.5 points. The Jackrabbits had seven of their 14 wrestlers place in the top eight of their respective weight classes. Warren will begin their S.G.V.L. schedule against cross-town rival Downey at Downey on January 10th. The winner of this early dual meet will have the inside track to the S.G.V.L. title. Things will certainly heat up once these two teams wrestle each other in league competition.

********** Published: January 3, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 38