One of Coach Bill Magnusson’s continual mantras to his Firebaugh High Eagle wrestlers is, “Adjust, Overcome, & Persevere.”
Last weekend over on the central coast, the Eagles competed in the CIF Central Section Div. IV championships, which were held at San Luis Obispo High.
When the dust settled after two days of spirited competition, Firebaugh lost the team championship by a mere seven points. Golden West-Visalia won the title with 183.5 points. Firebaugh was second with 176.5 points, followed by Reedley with 167 points, Stockdale-Bakersfield with 164.5 points, and Edison-Fresno with 133 points.
“Our wrestlers experienced adversity, sickness, injury, and setbacks, but they overcame all this and fought for the title,” Magnusson exclaimed. “They were the men in the arena, in the circle. Their faces were marred with sweat, dust and blood. I’m so proud of them for their grit. All 14 wrestlers scored points. This was a team effort.”
The Eagles crowned one champion at the tournament. Junior Michael Perez, competing at 157 lbs., defeated David Lopez of Golden West by fall in the second period.
Cabrillo High’s Andrew Wallace won the title at 132 lbs., defeating Jordyn Fuentes of Firebaugh with a major decision. Another second place finish for Firebaugh took place at 150 lbs. Eagle senior Isaac Ceja lost in the finals to Blake Pacheco of Golden West, 2-0.
Senior Omar Perez of Firebaugh won the consolation title over Michael Nava of Stockdale with a second period pin.
Two Westside wrestlers squared off for the consolation title at 190 lbs., and Bairon Cruz of Mendota defeated Firebaugh’s Corbin Diedrich by way of a pin.
Juan Orellana finished the day for Firebaugh with a sixth-place finish.
Now the attention turns to the Central Section Masters, which will start this Friday at Fresno’s Selland Arena. The only question about the Masters is who will finish behind perennial champion Buchanan-Clovis.
Magnusson said that the top four placers will be eligible to compete in the tournament.
