Santa Barbara High’s wrestling program added another milestone to its history-making season at the Channel League Championships on Saturday at Rio Mesa.
The Dons led the local teams in individual champions with five and qualified 11 for next weekend’s CIF Championships.
Dos Pueblos and San Marcos each had two weight-class champions. The Chargers also qualified 11 wrestlers for CIF.
San Marcos will be sending five to next week’s CIF meet.
“A solid showing showing by the three local schools at the revamped Channel League,” said Santa Barbara coach Marc Fidel.
During the dual meet season, Santa Barbara beat Dos Pueblos for the first time and won its first-ever City Championship in wrestling.
SANTA BARBARA
Pepper Marks won her second straight league title and was named the girls’ tournament MVP. Marks is a defending CIF-SS champion.
Sophia Slavich captured the title in the 152-pound weight class, giving Santa Barbara two girls champions.
For the boys, Angel Parra (160 pounds), Niko Proft (147) and Jose Escobar 184 brought home champion medals.
Santa Barbara’s other place finishers and CIF qualifiers were: Benicio Garcia Holland (second at 152 pounds), Austin Dye (third at 108), Arwen Rosano (third at 106), Ashleigh Hernandez (fourth at 139), Jose Ibarra (fifth 170) and Jonathan Hernandez Mora (fifth at 197).
DOS PUEBLOS
Shaun Vague took first place in the 134-pound weight class and Victoria Bernard won title girls’ title at 113 pounds for the Chargers.
Vague’s title win was dramatic. He scored a two-point takedown with only two seconds remaining in the third period to tie the bout and force overtime.
In the extra period, he took down his Ventura opponent to claim the victory.
Shaun Vague won his close finals match in overtime. In the third period with only two seconds remaining secured a takedown to go into overtime. In overtime Shaun took down his Ventura opponent to clim the title.
Bernard took care of business with a pin in the final.
“Victoria was in control of all of her matches today. She took care of business and is looking forward to the CIF tournament,” said coach Jesse Plowman.
Dos Pueblos had four wrestlers finish as league runners-up: Francisco Espinosa (second at 108), Cody Pearce (second at 122), Ryan Risdall (second at 128) and Sylis Penniman.
The other Chargers advancing to CIF were: Sammy Ramos (third at 149), Diego Hernandez (third at 182), Ivan Medina (third at heavyweight), Jacob Rubio (fourth at 195) and Alyssa Warner (fourth at girls 118 pounds).
SAN MARCOS
Jacob Dominguez won his second Channel League champions, winning the 108-pound weight class. He also was honored as the MVP of the lower weight classes.
The Royals also got a title from Angel Estrada at 114 pounds.
“He won as the No. 4 seed and didn’t give up any points,” said coach Kit Cooper. “He’s very humble, a low-key stud.”
Also earning CIF spots were Chuck Wickline (third at 134 pounds), Levi Cooper (second at 140) and Jake Carroll (second at heavyweight).