Angel Melgoza represented Central Valley’s boys wrestling program for the final time this past week in Stockton.
The 215-pound senior had to settle for a top-12 finish after withdrawing from the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament with an elbow injury.
“He had a shot to make it to state,” head coach Rob Beckhart said. “He had to pull out because he re-aggravated an injury from the previous week. It’s unfortunate he got hurt at the end of the year and wasn’t able to continue.”
Hawk teammates Sal Almazan, Sunny Breshears, Rotceh Mendez, Emilio Castillo and Sean Vernon, and Ceres High’s Parker Borges gained valuable experience competing at the Feb. 21-22 event staged at Adventist Health Arena.
“Parker didn’t find out he was wrestling until we got there in the morning for weigh-ins,” Bulldogs’ head coach Adam Borges said. “Overall, it was a good experience for him to see that high level of competition. He knows what he needs to work on to do better next year.”
“It’s unfortunate our season is over,” Beckhart stated. “I’m proud of all of them.”
Melgoza ranked sixth in the Sac-Joaquin Section and 35th in the state heading into Masters.
He won two of three matches before withdrawing from the tournament for a medical reason.
He collected wins against El Dorado’s Girardin Austin (decision, 9-3) and Ripon’s Jacob Hughes (pin, 1:12).
He lost to Jesuit’s Logan Nguyen (pin, 3:31) and Cosumnes Oaks’ Lonzell Mcclanahan (forfeit).
“The fact Angel was willing to go out, try and pull out a couple wins says a lot about who he is as a person,” Beckhart stated.
Melgoza made program history by becoming just the second male wrestler from Central Valley to win 100 career matches.
The fourth-year grappler compiled a 41-5 overall record during his final season with the Hawks.
He placed first at the Western Athletic Conference Championships and second at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Tournament.
“He was a leader in the room,” Beckhart said. “He had a great attitude. He didn’t miss practice. He was dedicated. He’s definitely one of the best kids we’ve ever had. I’m proud of him for everything he’s done.”
Almazan, a junior, posted a 1-2 record at 285 pounds.
He was slowed by an ankle injury.
“He re-aggravated it and toughed it out,” Beckhart said.
Almazan beat Bella Vista’s Ryan Warner (major decision, 15-5).
He lost to Elk Grove’s Gabriel Fernandez (major decision, 9-0) and Rocklin’s Chase Baker (decision, 7-1).
Almazan placed third at WAC finals and fourth at Divisionals this season.
“I’m proud of him for what he was able to accomplish this year,” Beckhart said. “He learned a lot. Everything finally started to click.”
Breshears, a sophomore, posted a 1-2 record at 144 pounds.
He beat Wheatland’s Lucas Porter (technical fall, 18-1).
He lost to River Valley’s Kolin De La Fuente (pin, 0:52) and Livingston’s Jose Gutierrez (decision, 4-1).
Breshears placed second at Divisionals and league championships.
“Sunny has a tremendous upside,” Beckhart said. “He has an opportunity to do special things at Central Valley.”
Mendez, a junior, posted an 0-2 record at 132 pounds.
He lost to Folsom’s Orion Hill (pin, 0:14) and Vacaville’s Brett Crowley (decision, 14-10).
Mendez won one of three matches at the varsity level as a sophomore.
He qualified for Masters, finished third at Divisionals and placed fourth in league this year.
“Rotceh’s had one of the biggest turnarounds I’ve ever seen on the team,” Beckhart said. “He put in extra time. He went to other people’s houses to train. He’s going to be a challenge for some guys next year.”
Castillo, a junior, posted an 0-2 record at 120 pounds.
The varsity newcomer lost to Ponderosa’s Michael Hall (major decision, 12-2) and Kimball’s Kyson Reese (pin, 3:35).
“He had an opportunity to win his first match and didn’t close it out,” Beckhart said. “I know he’s disappointed.”
Castillo placed fourth at Divisionals and third in league.
Vernon, a junior, posted an 0-2 record while competing as an alternate in the 157-pound weight class at Masters.
He lost to Sierra’s Christian Anaya (pin, 1:59) and Del Oro’s Liam Brunton (pin, 2:46).
Vernon placed fifth at Divisionals and third in league.
“He’s a really good kid,” Beckhart said. “I’m glad to have him on the team.”
Borges, a junior, posted an 0-2 record as an alternate at 144 pounds.
He lost to Sierra’s Samuel Perez (pin, 1:57) and Rodriguez’s Samuel Goodwin (pin, 1:58).
Parker Borges experienced a bounce-back season this winter.
Sidelined half the year with a broken ankle as a sophomore, Borges accomplished his goal by qualifying for Masters for the first time.
He placed third at the WAC finals and fifth at Divisionals.
Parker Borges compiled a 36-11 overall record.
He medaled in four of seven tournaments this year.
“I’m proud of him,” Adam Borges said. “I thought he did well this season. He worked hard. He knows he can achieve more. His mindset will be a lot different senior year. He’ll be more prepared.”
