And there it is.

My weeklong journey through the county wrestling scene came to an end Friday night with the annual Calvary Chapel-Santa Ana dual, otherwise known as the Iron Sharpens Iron Classic.

This dual is more than takedowns and near falls. Calvary and Santa Ana are more like brothers in arms. There is a deep level of respect between the programs. It is impressive.

Here is how Friday went down.

And I thought last year was impressive: When you cover Santa Ana-Calvary Chapel, you have to be ready for a show. This year’s was better.

Read the rest of this entry »

Postmatch huddle for the victorious Troy Warriors

Another day, another dual.

Thursday, I headed to Fullerton, my former home away from home, considering that I spent a good chunk of my life trying to escape Cal State Fullerton.

I eventually made it out.

The dual of the day was in the wild Freeway League.

Where: Troy HS

What: Freeway League battle between Troy and Sunny Hills

At Stake: The driver’s seat to the Freeway League title

Result: Troy rallies from 20-10 deficit to take 37-20 lead and eventually a 37-31 victory.

Bonus point madness: This match started at a furious pace and I mean furious. The first 10 matches were decided by either major decision, pin or forfeit (there was one). When the dust finally cleared, Troy led 34-20 after 10.

Read the rest of this entry »

Assignment No. 1 of my weeklong journey through the mean streets of the county wrestling scene took me into the deep South of the county … all the waaaaaaay to San Clemente. Here is how it went down.

Where: San Clemente HS

What: South Coast League clash featuring No. 3 San Clemente and No. 8 Capistrano Valley.

At stake: 2nd place in the South Coast League

Read the rest of this entry »

The final week of January has arrived and so has my one-week dual marathon.

Last year, I did three duals in three consecutive nights. This year, I’m doing three in four.

Tuesday night, I’m at Capistrano Valley-San Clemente. Thursday night, I will probably be at Servite-St. John Bosco, but Edison-Los Alamitos is also intriguing and Friday night, if I’m still standing, I will be at Calvary Chapel-Santa Ana.

Now, let’s hope all the duals start on time and end before 10 p.m.

Join me, if you dare.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Church Boyz are in Atlanta, Georgia competing in the Clinch Gear Prep Slam. After the first day, Calvary has five wrestlers in the championship quarterfinals at their respective weights.

Gordon McDonald (106) had two victories by fall, Mike Longo (138) had a technical fall and fall, Elliott Taylor (285) had two victories by fall. Aaron Negrette (145) had a pin and decision and Adam Alvarado had a pin after a first-round bye at 120.

Read the rest of this entry »