Lemoore wrestlers succeed in power-packed Yosemite Divisionals held at Event Center

But finding a way is just what Lemoore’s consistently good wrestling program did Saturday morning as it managed to send four of its top wrestlers to next week’s Masters.

In Saturday’s Yosemite Divisionals in the Lemoore High School Event Center, Clovis High School, gunning for yet another state title, dominated the event, sending all of its 14 wrestlers to next week’s Central Section meet. Clovis won the team title on Saturday edging out perennial powerhouse Buchanan High School. The Tigers finished 17th overall in the two-day tournament.

The Yosemite Divisionals send the top eight on to the Central Section matchups. Joining the bandwagon are four Lemoore wrestlers, including Hector Zavala at 115 pounds, Angel Solis at 162 pounds, Greg Guzman at 134, and Osaze Osunde, 184 pounds. Just missing out on a trip to the Central Section Masters was freshman Jacob Gonzalves who lost a close match on Saturday morning in the consolation round.

"I expected those guys to place," said Tiger Coach Marcio Botelho. "I think they really wrestled well." Zavala made the top eight despite wrestling in one of the toughest weight classes at 115 pounds. 

Botelho also said the Central Section in California is one of the toughest in the nation, producing the most state champs. "Our section is the 2nd toughest nationally," he said. 

Zavala easily won his consolation match to earn a trip to East Bakersfield while Osunde and Solis both earned pins. Guzman prevailed in a tight match 4-3.

The state championships will be held March 6-7 at Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena.

Botelho got rave reviews for his organization of the Yosemite Divisionals. "It's a lot of work," he said to put on a large wrestling meet. "We did get a lot of compliments. To put on something like that you have to work hard. I had a lot of help."