But Lemoore fans had plenty to cheer about, too, as a pair of Lemoore athletes managed to wrestle their way to Saturday night’s finals as the large and enthusiastic crowd filled the college's Golden Eagle Arena.
The big winner Saturday night – at least for Lemoore fans – turned out to be a familiar face in local wrestling circles. At the 141-pound weight class, former Lemoore High School Tiger, Wayne Joint, managed to win a state championship after several close calls in the preliminary brackets.
Joint opened the state tournament battling to a 2-0 win over Bakersfield College’s Richard Martinez. His momentum carried him to a convincing 10-1 victory over Moorpark’s Zack Zernick to place him in the semis.
In Saturday’s semifinals, Joint won in a 4-3 decision over Fresno City’s Abraham Cerda, putting him in Saturday night’s finals against Cerritos College’s Mario De La Torre, where the former Lemoore Tiger held on for a 3-0 victory and, of course, the state title in the 141-pound division.
“It was a great crowd, a great venue, and the energy was great,” said his coach, Marco Botelho.
“We had two in the finals, and we ended up splitting. I was proud of Wayne for (being) a two-time state title (winner). This is his second state title for state wrestling. He won it last year too. He went undefeated at 41-0.”
West Hills Lemoore nearly crowned two state champs, but WHC wrestler Justin Tripp fell 9-3 to Fresno City’s Luke Meyer after making it to the finals.
“He wants to compete at the next level. He’s got some options,” said Botelho.
Botelho told The Leader that as a senior at Lemoore High School, Joint was a state-ranked wrestler. However, because of COVID, the state didn’t have a true championship his senior year. However, as a sophomore, the talented athlete placed fifth in the state in wrestling.”
“Wayne is the first West Hills athlete to win a state championship. He won last year and this year,” said the Tiger and Golden Eagle head coach.
“He was the outstanding California community college wrestler of the year,” said a proud Botelho. He received that award at the end of Saturday night’s competition.
Also, Tripp is a two-time community college all-American. “You have to place among the top four spots in your respective weight class,” said Botelho. Last year Trip took fourth in the state championships and this year ended up as a runner up.”
Marcio helped to organize this year’s state championships at the local college. “We all just come together.”
According to Botelho, Wayne Joint is destined for a successful college wrestling career. Several colleges have already made inquiries, said Botelho, the long-time Tiger, and Golden Eagle coach. “He really wanted to win his second title. I’m sure his phone is going to be buzzing.”
