Saturday Feb 27 2010
Stafford cruises to crown
Senior one of four Eagles to qualify for state meet
Del Oro High senior Jesse Stafford defeated McNair sophomore Jim Wilson to win the 152-pound championship at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament Saturday in Stockton.
Stafford (44-3), who qualified for the CIF State Championships next weekend in Bakersfield, earned a 3-0 decision, winning all five matches at the tournament over the weekend to lead the Golden Eagles.
Del Oro, which placed seventh overall as a team out of nearly 100 schools, qualified three other wrestlers to the state event.
Junior Kevin Burrage (140 pounds) and sophomore Austin Branum (130) each went 4-1 to place third and qualify for state. Junior Foster Fretland also qualified, going 5-2 to finish seventh.
Seniors Eddie Love and Dylan Blomgren finished eighth in their respective weight classes, barely missing state qualification.
Placer was well-represented at Masters, but the Hillmen faced opening match struggles Friday. Senior Aaron Maddox won two matches at 135 pounds. Junior Steven Cox won his 160-pound opener.
Seniors Dalton Richardson (125), Mitchell Maddox (130) and Jake Styler (heavyweight) all finished 1-2, as did junior Andrew Naleway (119).
Bear River’s Juan Gudino won one of his three matches at 119 pounds. Colfax’s Vincent Corralejo fell to Stafford in their 152-pound opener and lost his next match.