PREP WRESTLING : Calvary Chapel Qualifies Eight

The Southern Section Masters’ wrestling meet at Fountain Valley High Saturday was merely another stop for Santa Ana Calvary Chapel as it looks to win its second consecutive State title.

By qualifying a meet-high eight wrestlers for next weekend’s State tournament at the University of Pacific in Stockton, the Eagles put themselves in an ideal position.

“We’re definitely peaking right now,” said Dane Valdez, who won the 125-pound title, beating Temecula Valley’s Mark Perryman, 15-8.

Valdez was one of four Calvary Chapel wrestlers to win championships. Brother Shane Valdez won at 119 pounds, Joshua Holiday at 145, and Tim Bonebright at 152.

Reuben De Leon of Ontario Chaffey prevented Joe Calavitta from winning another championship for the Eagles. De Leon defeated Calavitta, 11-4, at 103 pounds to earn his second consecutive Masters’ title.

In one of the closest championship matches of the evening, Vincent Virgen of Buena Park beat Teak Sato of Orange El Modena, 12-8. Virgen was ranked second in Orange County this season, and Sato was second in the state last season.

Although Steven Abas of Moreno Valley Canyon Springs had to settle for third place at 112, he set a national record for takedowns in a season. Abas got his 329th when he beat Lakewood’s Brian Gilland.

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Bell High, bolstered by five individual titles, won its second consecutive City Section crown with 185 1/2 points at Bell.

Jose Gonzalez (112 pounds), Ramsas Ochoa (145), Frank Ordorica (171), Jesus Orozco (189) and Adolfo Padilla (heavyweight) won for the Eagles. Orozco was voted the outstanding wrestler for the tournament.

Woodland Hills El Camino Real finished second with 163 points and won three titles: Andy Becker (103), Casey Lee (119) and Rick Ullman (152). Canoga Park finished third, winning two titles.

The winner in each weight class advances to the State tournament.