Wrestler of the Week
We conclude this year’s Wrestler of the Week honors with dual winners in David Wilson and Ben Liu. Sophomore David Wilson, wrestling as the #1 seed at 147-lbs, recorded two falls earlier in the day to advance to the MVAL Finals. Facing off against #2 seeded Johnnie Lo of James Logan, the match entered the 3rd period tied up 2-2. Choosing bottom position, David escaped to take the lead, then posted three takedowns to claim a 9-5 decision and his first MVAL league title.
Junior Ben Liu also entered the MVAL Finals as the #1 seed and spent the day proving to everyone that he deserved it. After
recording a technical fall and pin earlier in the tournament, Ben faced his toughest opponent in the final. The 3rd period began with Ben trailing 4-2 with his opponent, Allen Chan of James Logan, choosing bottom position. An escape by Chan extended his lead to 5-2 when Ben took him down to trail only 5-4. Another escape gave Chan a 6-4 lead when, with only seconds remaining, Ben attacked and scored the match-tying takedown to take the match into overtime. In the overtime period, Ben continued to press and eventually recorded a 2-point takedown and 2-point near fall to claim his first league title with a 10-6 decision.
Congratulations to both of you and good luck next week at NCS!!
The Wrestler of the Week for the week of 02/04/08 is:
This week we have two wrestlers of the week in Ricky McFerrin and Dan Stoops for their performances at the Mission San Jose Invitational. Ricky McFerrin, competing as the 4th seed at 105 pounds, upset 1st seeded, Tyler Hayes of Clear Lake (also undefeated and ranked #1 in NCS) in a 14-12 overtime decision in the championship semifinal round on Saturday. Ricky’s loss in the final snapped a 9-match win streak that included 2 falls, 2 technical falls and 2 major decisions. His showing at the MSJ Invitational has now earned him a #2 ranking in NCS at 105 pounds behind MVAL rival Lawrence Blanco.
Dan Stoops compiled a 4-1 record over the weekend, earning himself a 3rd place medal. His only loss came in the championship semifinal round, losing to Roger McCovey of Del Norte, currently ranked 4th in state. McCovey went on to pin the # 1 ranked wrestler in California, Jonathan Zamora of Clovis, in the championship final. After his loss, Dan won his next two matches, including a 3-2 decision over Gonzalo Hernandez of Freedom High School, ranked 4th in NCS, for the 3rd place medal. Stoops has now won 9 out of his last 10 matches and has recorded wins over heavyweights currently ranked 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th in NCS, and has likely locked up a number 2 seed (behind McCovey) at the NCS Championships coming up on February 22nd and 23rd. Great job to both of you!!
The Wrestler of the Week for the week of 01/28/08 is:
This week’s Wrestler of the Week award goes to Dan Stoops. After just falling short of placing at the prestigious Tim Brown Memorial the previous weekend, Stoops claimed the 287-lb. Championship at the Puma Classic, recording three falls and 5-2 decision over the 3rd ranked heavyweight in the North Coast Section in the championship finals.
Also earlier in the week, in the only match contested versus Washington High School, Stoops secured a takedown late in the 3rd period to post a victory over Kevin DeFranco for the win.
Stoops’ effort has surely secured his number two ranking in the North Coast Section and will look to improve upon that in this weekend’s Mission San Jose Invitational. Keep up the hard work, Dan!
The Wrestler of the Week for the week of 01/21/08 is:
This week’s Wrestler of the Week award goes to Ricky McFerrin. Making the cut down to the 105-lb. weight class for the first time all season, McFerrin competed in a tough bracket at the Tim Brown Memorial in Sacramento and earned himself a 5th place medal. Compiling an overall record of 6-2, his wins included two falls, a technical fall and a major decision, while only losing two very close decisions to the eventual 3rd and 4th place finishers, both of whom are returning CIF State Qualifiers from last season.
Ricky’s efforts have earned him his second Wrestler of the Week honors this season. He will look to claim his third tournament title of the season this weekend, where he will compete as the number 1 seed at the Puma Classic, hosted by Maria Carrillo High School.
The Wrestler of the Week for the week of 12/17/07 is:
This week’s Wrestler of the Week award goes to Ricky McFerrin. Though entering the tournament with a perfect 11-0 record, Ricky was unseeded at the Zinkin Classic. Determined to prove to himself and the rest of the state that he is one of the best, Ricky defeated two of the top-seeded wrestlers in his bracket, advancing to the finals of the tournament. Along the way, Ricky defeated the 7th seed, Ben Omata of Clovis High School, who is ranked 7th in the Central Section. He also defeated the number 2 seed, Josh Go of Overfelt High School, who is ranked 2nd in the Central Coast Section.
With his performance last weekend, Ricky solidified his top-2 ranking in the NCS, and earned himself some statewide recognition as well. Great job last weekend, Ricky!! Keep working hard towards reaching your goals!!
This week’s Wrestler of the Week award goes to Jose Ruvalcaba. Making his way into the lineup for the first time all season at 145 pounds, Jose made his season debut at the Hollister Duals and wrestled his way to a perfect 8-0 record and a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
Jose is looking to improve on his 8th place finish at the NCS Championships last season as a sophomore. After earning three falls and a major decision last weekend in his first tournament this season, Jose already looks to be one of the top-ranked wrestlers in the section this year. Great job last weekend, Jose! Keep up all the hard work!
This week’s Wrestler of the Week award goes to Billal Hararah. Wrestling at 135 pounds, Bill started his season off with a championship title at the Newark Rotary Ironman Duals. Bill dominated throughout the entire tournament, earning himself 3 falls, 1 technical fall, and 2 major decisions on his way to a perfect 7-0 record.
Bill has also proven himself to be a leader in the mat room. Always the last one to leave the room, Bill is a perfect example of hard work paying off. Great job this week Bill, continue to be a leader and a great example to our younger guys!!
More Great News! "Bill's performance over the
weekend also earned himself Argus Athlete of the Week honors. Click
here to read more."
Page last updated: 2/8/08 stoops