Moorpark Wrestlers to Vie for State Berths

Moorpark College freshman Serge Mezheritsky, ranked No. 2 in the state at 142 pounds, is among a handful of Raiders who are expected to earn state qualifying berths in the South-Central regional wrestling finals today at Rio Hondo College.

Mezheritsky, with a 28-2 record, was the top wrestler this season for Moorpark (8-5), which placed second in the Western State Conference with a 3-1 mark.

The top 3 wrestlers in each weight class will qualify for the state finals Dec. 9-10 at El Camino College.

Heavyweight Vince Plymire was Moorpark’s top prospect entering the season after winning a state title as a freshman. He sat out Moorpark’s last 2 matches, however, and ended the regular season with a 14-4-2 record after injuring his ankle last month.

“Vince has been struggling, but he’s starting to come around now and I expect him to be 100% by Friday,” said Moorpark Coach John Keever, whose teams have won 13 conference titles during his 20 years with the Raiders. “I think 3 of Vince’s losses were directly due to his injury.”

Sophomore Eric Millsap (118 pounds), who compiled an 18-4 record, also is expected to qualify for state along with 190-pound freshman Carson Wollert (19-6) and sophomore Manuel Gallegos, who had a 20-13 record in the 158-pound class.