2012 Doc Buchanan Invitational PREVIEW
**Preview written before actual registration so some weights/names may be added, changed, or omitted. Enjoy!**
By Clovis Asst Coach Adam Tirapelli
SICK! The only word appropriate enough to describe the field at the 2012 Doc Buchanan Invitational on January 6-7 in Clovis, California (I would also have accepted “filthy”).With 100 teams are represented from 6 states, the Doc Buchanan has become one of the premier wrestling events in the United States, likely the single toughest tournament on the West coast annually. By maintaining its 32-man bracket roots with selective invites, it has become the “Ironman-style” tournament of the West.
Though it may not have the quantity of nationally ranked kids like the Walsh Ironman, consider the location and that California itself has over 870 schools and just a single division state championship series. Compare it to the traditional Midwest and it has more high schools than Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska combined, which together have 22 state championship classifications. Or compare it to the top wrestling area in the United States, and you still have more high schools than Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey combined, which together have 6 state championship classifications. So while national prominence may be lacking, state-level recognition means something in the Golden State. A top-ranked kid in California is legit.
There are 24 nationally ranked wrestlers set to compete in the 2012 Doc Buchanan Invitational according to The Open Mat’s (“T.O.M.”) December 22nd rankings. But add in the fact that there are 263 Top 40 ranked kids in California also set to compete and you get a clearer picture of the field. That’s 19 wrestlers per weight class. Add another 23 ranked wrestlers from Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, and North Carolina, and you have an event where the rubber meets the road very early!
The team race includes T.O.M. nationally ranked #6 Clovis and #19 Poway, along with HM Bakersfield. But again when you look at the top teams in California, nearly all are represented which is unheard of for most states’ top individual regular season tournaments. 24 of the Top 30 ranked schools in California will be present, including #1 through #9. Add #1 Roseburg in Oregon’s 6A class, #1 Cleveland in New Mexico’s 5A class, and #3 Ponderosa in Colorado’s 3A class and you have a dynamic field of teams ready to compete for what promises to be a hard-fought team championship.
Returning Doc Buchanan Individual Champions:
Last Yr Wt – Name (School), This Yr Projected Wt
103 – Emilio Saavedra (Modesto), 113
112 – Jonas Gaytan (Clovis), 113
119 – Daniel Gaytan (Clovis), 120
125 – Alex Cisneros (Selma), 132 – 2x Champion
130 – Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy), 138
140 – Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore), 145
171 – Nikko Reyes (Clovis West), 182
285 – Nick Nevills (Clovis), 2852011 Top 5 Teams:
1. Clovis – 220
2. Oakdale – 142.5
3. Selma – 102
4. Lemoore – 97.5
5. Gilroy – 96Each individual championship will be hotly contested in 2012. Here’s a break down the front-runners at each weight class:
106
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 2 1 Zahid Valencia 9 St. John Bosco 3 2 Johnson Mai 12 North Torrance 3 Gionn Peralta 10 Vacaville 4 Vincent Elizalde 10 Brawley 6 Isaiah Hokit 9 Wasco 8 Miguel Martinez 12 Madera 12 Adrian Camposano 10 Central 13 Tirso Lara 11 Poway 14 Anthony Soto 12 Colony 17 Juan Garza 11 Oakdale 19 Troy Lakin 12 Clayton Valley 21 Meng Xiong 12 Merced 23 Juan Javier Jimenez 11 Porterville 24 Jonathan Pena 11 Selma 27 Christian Root 11 Temecula Valley 29 Julian Gaytan 10 Clovis 31 Carlos Herrera 9 Bakersfield 32 Albert Rosas 10 Reedley 37 Nick Vega 11 Villa Park 38 Tristan Scott 10 Elk Grove 39 Jesse Vasquez 9 Gilroy 40 Roy Galvan 10 La Quinta Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
3 (6A) Chad Jones 9 Roseburg-OR 7 1 (5A) Paul Mascarenas 11 Cleveland-NM Contenders:
Look for Walsh Ironman Champ and #1 ranked freshman in the country Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco) and returning state champion Johnson Mai (North Torrance) to be on a collision course. Valencia just eeked out a victory in their first encounter 5-4 and will look to best the Columbia-bound senior once again. These are two of the most dynamic 106lbers in the country and are aptly ranked at #2 and #3 by T.O.M.. This battle should be a treat for the Doc Buchanan and for California wrestling fans all year long!Trying to spoil the party will be another nationally top-ranked wrestler in T.O.M. #7 Paul Mascarenas (Cleveland-NM). Mascarenas is a 2x New Mexico State Champion and a USAW Preseason Nationals Folkstyle Champion this season.
As if that we’re enough, there are plenty of other “spoilers” sprinkled throughout this deep weight class. State place winner Gionn Peralta (Vacaville) and returning qualifier Vincent Elizalde (Brawley) will be game and ready. Another two to watch will be super-frosh Isaiah Hokit (Wasco), already making a name for himself this season, and another rare senior at 106lbs, Miguel Martinez (Madera).
Dark Horses:
Tirso Lara (Poway) has also started out the year hot and follows up a runner-up finish at the Reno TOC. And you always have to fear the senior at 106lbs with the experience to break up the party – Anthony Soto (Colony) is a returning state qualifier and could challenge the favorites.2011 Final @ 103: Emilio Saavedra (Pitman) dec Johnson Mai (North Torrance), 3-1
113
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 1 Jonas Gaytan 11 Clovis 8 2 Emilio Saavedra 10 Modesto 3 3 Micah Perez 11 Central Union 14 4 Isaiah Locsin 10 Live Oak 5 Mason Pengilly 10 Porterville 7 Joseph Dominguez 9 St. John Bosco 9 George Torres 12 La Quinta 10 Gabe Faller 11 Poway 13 Jordan Gurrola 11 North Torrance 14 Arthur Carmona 12 Brawley 15 Kioni Villalobos 12 Santa Fe 16 Jose Navarro 12 Madera 17 Chris Tamez 12 Clovis East 20 Leif Dominguez 11 Gilroy 21 Michael Knoblauch 10 Clovis West 24 Jason De la Cruz 10 Buchanan 26 Sean Williams 11 Lemoore 28 Tom Yozzo 10 Amador Valley 29 Brandon Carlos 12 Central 31 Robbie Standley 11 Paso Robles 32 Robert Romo 12 Apple Valley 34 Jacob Lopez 12 Elk Grove Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
10 (6A) Cole Van Anrooy 9 Roseburg-OR 4 (5A) Daniel Opferman Ponderosa-CO Contenders:
This weight class boasts 3 T.O.M. ranked wresters, two returning Doc Buchanan Champions, and 7 of the top 9 ranked wrestlers in the state. Five returning state medalists will likely vie for the top spot at 113lbs. Returning Doc Buchanan Champion Jonas Gaytan (Clovis) was 5th at 112 a season ago and currently holds the #1 ranking but not currently ranked nationally. He will be fiercely challenged by T.O.M. #8 Emilio Saavedra (Modesto) – 3rd at 103 and returning Doc Buchanan Champion, T.O.M. #3 Micah Perez (Central Union) – 3rd at 103 in 2010, T.O.M. #14 Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak) – 2nd at 103, and Mason Pengilly (Porterville) – 4th at 103.Dark Horses:
Look for Jordan Gurrola (North Torrance) and Jason De La Cruz (Buchanan) to make some noise in this deep weight class. De La Cruz comes off a tournament championship in the section’s other big tournament, the Zinkin Classic.2011 Final @ 112: Jonas Gaytan (Clovis) dec Garrett Fortado (Oakdale), 5-2
120
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 17 2 Daniel Gaytan 12 Clovis 4 Anthony Valencia 9 St. John Bosco 5 Connor Pollock 12 Folsom 7 Josh Miranda 12 Poway 8 Victor Olmos 10 Gilroy 11 Joseph Ramirez 12 De La Salle 12 Corbin Lee 11 Mission San Jose 13 Lupe Florez 12 Selma 15 Kasey Klaus 11 Vacaville 16 Brandon Rodriguez 12 Clovis West 17 Nicholas Marquez 11 Foothill 19 Ronnie Stevens 12 Oakdale 20 Ricky Coster 10 Freedom 25 Josh Lazaro 10 Bella Vista 27 Lathan Liles 12 Rodriguez 32 Abel Contreras 10 Porterville 33 Matt Ontiveros 10 Central 34 Jesse Calderon 11 La Quinta 36 Oscar Marin 12 Bakersfield 38 Armand Molina 9 Firebaugh Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
1 (5A) Mac Borrego 12 Cleveland-NM Contenders:
The top dog at 120lbs will be T.O.M. #17, returning State Champion and Doc Buchanan Champion Daniel Gaytan (Clovis). A host of challengers will try to unseat him including the other half of the freshman duo, Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco). Valencia already has an 8th place finish at the Walsh Ironman to his credit and a couple of victories over top ranked competition. Josh Miranda (Poway) has been a state qualifier several times and is looking to get over the hump this season, more than capable of wrestling with the best.Dark Horses:
Both Connor Pollock (Folsom) and Corbin Lee (Mission San Jose) have been wrestling well early in the season. Also look out for Mac Borrego (Cleveland-NM) who has beaten some top national competition, including Southwest Showdown champ Deshaun Brown, on his way to a 1st and 2nd place finish in New Mexico.2011 Final @ 119: Daniel Gaytan (Clovis) by fall over Stevan Knoblauch (Clovis West), 3:52
126
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 1 Martin Ramirez 12 Elk Grove 2 Josh Rodriguez 12 Righetti 3 Javier Gasca III 11 Kingsburg 4 Victor Lopez 11 Poway 5 Jake Smith 12 Newark Memorial 6 Paul Fox 10 Gilroy 7 Joey Moita 12 De La Salle 12 Martin Sandoval 11 Porterville 13 Adrian Panduro 11 Corcoran 14 Vicente Hernandez 12 Clovis 17 Victor Trujillo 11 Bella Vista 18 Jake Thompson 11 Liberty 22 Johnny Zazueta 11 St. John Bosco 25 Chris Pena 12 Santa Fe 28 Bryce Martin 10 Bakersfield 34 Jesse Harlan 12 Temecula Valley 36 Artemio Flores 11 James Logan 37 Casper Sherow 12 Carter Contenders:
This is an absolutely loaded weight class with 7 returning state medalists. Marin Ramirez (Elk Grove) was 3rd at 119 a year ago while Josh Rodriguez (Righetti) was 2nd at 112. No one should overlook Javier Gasca III (Kingsburg) who was ranked in the Top 3 all year a season ago at 119 before suffering a disappointing state tournament. Victor Lopez (Poway) is back at Poway as a junior after placing 2nd in the state at 103lbs as a freshman while Jake Smith (Newark Memorial) was a State Champion last season in Virginia, before deciding to test the waters in a slightly warmer state. Paul Fox (Gilroy) has continued his impressive freshman season where he placed 8th at 112 and Joey Moita looks to get back into form after placing 4th two years ago at 103lbs.Dark Horses:
Not many spots remain after the top 7, but Martin Sandoval (Porterville) is athletic and dangerous. Also Vicente Hernandez (Clovis) has been behind some stellar teammates and has already had a strong start to his senior season.2011 Final @ 125: Alex Cisneros (Selma) dec Fabian Garcia (Turlock), 4-3 2ot
132
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 2 1 Alex Cisneros 12 Selma 2 Patrick Phaysamone 12 Clovis East 3 Micah Cruz 12 Bakersfield 4 Ali Naser 11 El Camino Real 5 Dillon Rocha 12 Lemoore 6 Matthew Gay 12 Clovis 7 Jon Jay Chavez 10 De La Salle 8 Tim Maldonado 12 Los Osos 11 Chris Garcia 10 Clovis West 12 Aaron Gonzales 12 Gilroy 13 Jacob Pratt 12 Newark Memorial 14 Ralphie Tovar 9 Poway 16 Roman Garcia 12 Freedom 17 Blake Borges 12 El Molino 21 Austin Solari 11 Liberty 32 Sean Melton 12 Ponderosa 33 Matthew Bettencourt 12 Elk Grove 35 Christian Eber 12 Merced 36 Tyler Noon 11 Oakdale 38 Brandon Campbell 12 Simi Valley Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
5 (6A) Brody Faas 11 Roseburg-OR Contenders:
T.O.M. #2 Alex Cisneros (Selma) is the class of the field, still looking for his first loss to California competition and already a 3x CA State Champion. His path to the finals will not be an easy one with all 8 of the Top 8 wrestlers in the state projected to compete. Patrick Phaysamone (Clovis East) has gotten off to a dynamite start this season after falling short in 2011, already defeating Cruz in an earlier encounter. Micah Cruz (Bakersfield) and Ali Naser (El Camino Real) are both returning state medalists and could challenge for the top spot. Dillon Rocha (Lemoore) and Matthew Gay (Clovis) were both qualifiers in 2011 and look to compete with the top guns at this weight.Dark Horses:
Watch out for a breakout sophomore year by Jon Jay Chavez (De La Salle) and already off to a fast start is freshman Ralphie Tovar (Poway). Tim Maldonado (Los Osos) could be right in the mix as well.2011 Final @ 130: Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy) dec Juan Salas (Clovis), 8-5
138
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 18 1 Shayne Tucker 11 Bella Vista 14 2 Natrelle Demison 12 Bakersfield 19 3 Nicolas Villarreal 10 Gilroy 4 Adam Pain 12 Rodriguez 5 Brian Sergi 12 College Park 10 Antonio Perez 10 Central Union 12 Jesse Taylor 12 Poway 13 Devin Everk 12 Clovis 14 Dolin Mininni 12 Morro Bay 15 Alfred Murabito 12 Saratoga 18 CJ Valenzuela 12 Madera 20 Xavier Johnson 12 Liberty 21 Tyler Zimmer 10 Clovis West 30 Ward Beecher 11 Upper Lake 32 Hayden Fry 10 Vacaville 37 Austin Braddock 12 Simi Valley 39 Mason Koshiyama 9 Folsom Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
1 (6A) Reed Van Anrooy 11 Roseburg-OR Contenders:
The top three at this weight may be in a class of their own – all nationally ranked and all looking for their first state championship. T.O.M. #18 Shayne Tucker (Bella Vista) had an incredible run at the Reno TOC, knocking off Demison, (Micah) Cruz, and Villarreal on his way to the title and thus has the #1 spot. T.O.M. #14 Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield) is looking for redemption this week and his first Doc Buchanan Championship after losing in overtime in the finals last season. T.O.M. #19 Nicholas Villarreal (Gilroy) was a Doc Buchanan Champion as a freshman and carried that to a 3rd place state finish. He’ll have his work cut out to repeat this season.Dark Horses:
With such a strong Top 3, everyone else is more of a dark horse. But watch for returning state medalist Adam Pain (Rodriguez) and another top out-of-stater, Reed Van Anrooy (Roseburg-OR) coming off a runner-up finish at the Reno TOC and two Oregon state finals appearances. Also watch for Sergio Enloe (Clovis) who has come on strong to start the season.2011 Final @ 135: Chris Mecate (Redlands East Valley) dec Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield), 6-4 ot
145
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 2 1 Isaiah Martinez 11 Lemoore 2 Adam Hendrickson 12 Healdsburg 4 Maxx Ramirez 12 Bakersfield 5 Willie Fox 12 Gilroy 7 Jason Ladd 11 Clovis 8 Kai Loechler 12 Vacaville 10 Luke Wilson 12 Righetti 13 Nick Fiegener 10 Folsom 15 Racelis Cardenas 12 Buchanan 18 Adrian Gomez 12 Corcoran 19 Josue Hernandez 12 Madera South 24 Joseph Duran 12 Porterville 25 Trevor Behr 12 South Hills 26 Corey Griego 10 Sultana 27 Leonel Mendez 11 Temecula Valley 28 Josh Egli 12 Poway 30 Jarad Watts 12 La Quinta 32 Abel Robles 12 San Leandro 35 Sam Fowler 11 Bella Vista 37 Joey Avila 12 College Park 39 Kevan Garcia 11 Paso Robles 40 Peyton Russum 11 De La Salle Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
Alex Aniciete 11 Las Vegas-NV 2 (6A) Ian Thomas 10 Roseburg-OR 4 (5A) John Lewis Ponderosa-CO Contenders:
One of the few weights where there is a dominant wrestler, T.O.M. #2 Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore) looks for his 2nd Doc Buchanan Championship and his 2nd individual State Championship. 2x Nevada State Champion Alex Aniciete (Las Vegas-NV) will look to add to the family’s Doc Buchanan Championship total after brother Napoleon took home the title in 2011. Martinez will also be challenged by 2x state medalist Adam Hendrickson (Healdsburg) and returning state medalist Maxx Ramirez (Bakersfield). Also challenging will be one of the best wrestlers in California without a state medal to his name, Willie Fox (Gilroy), who has experienced incredibly poor post-season luck.Dark Horses:
True dark horses in Trevor Behr (South Hills) and Cory Griego (Sultana) have the firepower to hang with the best at this weight. Also watch out for Ian Thomas (Roseburg-OR) who is ranked #2 in Oregon.2011 Final @ 140: Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore) dec Shane Yacuta (Porterville), 12-5
152
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 2 Keaton Subjeck 11 Oak Ridge 4 3 Coleman Hammond 11 Bakersfield 4 Alex Abono 12 De La Salle 9 Kyle Perrault 11 Clovis East 10 Isaiah Morfin 12 Selma 12 Colby Thompson 12 Clovis 16 Christopher Matis 12 Casa Roble 18 Jovan Villalobos 11 Alisal 19 Ryan Gasvoda 12 Los Gatos 21 Sam Duchene 12 Simi Valley 23 Wilbur Solares 12 Granada Hills 25 Kent Beecham 12 Morro Bay 28 Isaias Diaz 12 Folsom 29 Oscar Corona 11 Foothill 33 Matt Brislawn 12 Villa Park 34 Braulio Banuelos 12 Poway 35 Gregory Pagela 10 Porterville 36 Dillon Crouch 12 Santa Fe 40 Shayan Shahangian 11 El Camino Real Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
3 (6A) Hector Mandera 12 Roseburg-OR Contenders:
Though he had a disappointing state finish a year ago, Coleman Hammond (Bakersfield) rebounded strongly with a 1st at the NHSCA Nationals and 4th place finish at Junior Freestyle Nationals. He’s off to a strong start this season, ranked #4 by T.O.M., and with a Reno TOC title under his belt. Challenging Hammond will be the wrestler who eliminated him at the State Championships last season, Keaton Subjeck (Oak Ridge), as well as state place winner Alex Abono (De La Salle). Look for Isaiah Morfin (Selma) and Kyle Perrault (Clovis East) to be in the mix, as well as Colby Thompson (Clovis).Dark Horses:
Matt Brislawn (Villa Park) may be a dark horse at this weight after a successful first part of the season. Also keep an eye on Hector Mandera (Roseburg-OR) ranked #3 in Oregon’s 6A class.2011 Final @ 145: Michael Gonzalez (Sultana) dec David Meza (Buena Park), 9-5
160
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 3 1 Joey Davis 12 Santa Fe 15 2 Victor Pereira 12 Newark Memorial 3 Adrian Salas 11 Clovis 4 Dustin Harris 12 Oakdale 5 Matt Tsarnas 12 Healdsburg 7 Michael Martinez 12 Wasco 11 Stevie Cervantes 11 Poway 16 Charles Yllan 12 Madera South 19 Caleb Austin Flores 9 Clovis North 20 Kevin Milner 12 Liberty 24 Trevor Wright 12 Winters 31 Jaime Martinez 11 Lemoore 36 Devon Aiello 11 De La Salle 40 Connor McClellan 11 El Camino Real Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
1 (6A) Javier Mandera 12 Roseburg-OR Contenders:
A couple of big names headline the 160lbs field including a potential rematch of the 2011 State Final at 152. Joey Davis (Santa Fe) has made great strides in the past year with a State Championship and FloNational Championship to propel him into the #3 national ranking. T.O.M. #15 Victor Pereira comes off of a runner-up state finish (to Davis) and already added a Walsh Ironman placing to his resume this season. Adrian Salas (Clovis) is the only other returning medalist at the weight class and will challenge the top two for a finals appearance. Watch for Javier Mandera (Roseburg-OR) to be in the mix as well, coming off of a state runner-up finish in Oregon a year ago and already a placing at Reno TOC this season.Dark Horses:
Trevor Wright (Winters) and Devon Aiello (De La Salle) could be wrestlers to watch at this weight class.2011 Final @ 152: Napoleon Aniciete (Las Vegas-NV) dec Victor Pereira (Newark Memorial), 5-3
170
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 2 1 Zach Nevills 12 Clovis 9 2 Connor King 12 Poway 15 3 James Wilson 12 McNair 14 4 Silas Nacita 12 Bakersfield 5 Jonathan Solano 11 Los Osos 6 Jesse Whalen-Orona 12 Carlsbad 7 Josh McFadden 12 Central Union 9 Dylan Morris 12 Redwood 13 Scott Votino 11 Elk Grove 17 Josh Karam 11 Clovis North 19 Orion Cosce 12 Hoopa 20 Richard Nevearez 12 Amador Valley 23 Nick Troquato 11 Ponderosa 27 Nick Callender 10 Clovis East 28 Aaron Pease 11 De La Salle 36 Taylor Ellerman 12 Oak Ridge 37 Austin Welty 12 Thousand Oaks 40 Devon Nooner 11 Folsom Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
Steven Elicegui 12 Wooster-NV 3 (5A) Thad Gallegos Ponderosa-CO 1 (5A) Jake King 12 Cleveland-NM Contenders:
One of the toughest weights in the tournament, 170lbs boasts four nationally ranked wrestlers! Zach Nevills (Clovis) is T.O.M. #2 as a 3x state place winner and Doc Buchanan runner-up last season. T.O.M. #9 Conner King (Poway) has relocated from Colorado where he was a State Champion a year ago and tries to repeat in the Golden State this season. Silas Nacita (Bakersfield) is T.O.M. #14 and comes off a 4th place state finish in 2011. T.O.M. #15 James Wilson (McNair) is a 2x state medalist, also finishing 4th in 2011 in a stellar 160lbs class. Add in 2x Nevada State Champion and Reno TOC runner-up Steven Elicegui (Wooster-NV) and you have one of the toughest 170lbs brackets in any tournament this season.Dark Horses:
It’s tough to find a dark horse with such a strong group, but Dylan Morris (Redwood-Larkspur) could spoil the nationally ranked party or Jake King (Cleveland-NM), #1 in New Mexico’s 5A class.2011 Final @ 160: Vince Waldhauser (Oak Ridge) dec Dylin Rodriguez (Sanger), 9-2
182
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 1 1 Nikko Reyes 12 Clovis West 2 Paul Yoo 12 Cypress 3 Ryan Davies 12 Clovis 4 Jordan Sepeda 11 Natomas 5 Brett Sayre 12 Temecula Valley 6 Mike Tenorio 12 Firebaugh 7 Kyle Pope 12 Bakersfield 12 Anthony Ballinger 12 Apple Valley 15 Brit Bastow 12 Poway 16 Ricardo Sandoval 12 Healdsburg 17 Chris Lai 11 Vacaville 21 Gabe Tulchinsky 12 Freedom 25 Taryn Christiansen 11 El Molino 30 Spencer Thiessen 12 Villa Park 31 Chase Eskam 10 Carlsbad 32 Juan Valladares 12 Madera South 39 David Permito 12 James Logan Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
4 (6A) Selmar Hutchins 12 Roseburg-OR 1 (5A) Mich Napier 12 Cleveland-NM Contenders:
Nikko Reyes (Clovis West) headlines the 182lbs group and is the only T.O.M. #1 ranked wrestler in the tournament. As a returning Doc Buchanan Champion, returning State Champion, and NHSCA Junior National Champion, he will be tough to best. Looking forward to the challenge are returning state place winner Paul Yoo (Cypress) and 3rd ranked Ryan Davies (Clovis), getting an opportunity at his first full-time varsity action after playing backup to some outstanding wrestlers. Jordan Sepeda (Natomas) comes off of a big year and a Sac Joaquin Section title and hopes to have a breakout junior season.Dark Horses:
Look for Kyle Pope (Bakersfield) to make some big noise, now at a weight by choice. Mich Napier (Cleveland-NM) could also be a sleeper as a 2x New Mexico state place winner.2011 Final @ 170: Nikko Reyes (Clovis West) dec Zach Nevills (Clovis), 5-3
195
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 2 Dakota Gordon 12 Clovis 4 Kyle Lincoln 12 Yosemite 5 Khymba Johnson 12 Center 6 William Gockel-Figge 12 Simi Valley 7 Jack Murphy 12 Frontier 8 Elder Cruz 12 La Habra 9 Florencia Vega 12 Clovis East 10 Nate Lopez 11 Lemoore 11 Danny Knox 12 Carlsbad 13 Jeramy Sweany 10 Vacaville 17 Lenny Pedraza 12 Madera 19 Tim Chassen 11 Poway 25 Kenny Porter 12 Sultana 26 Donnell Sims 12 Weston Ranch 27 Tevenn Lewis 12 Folsom 30 Emery Gray 12 Merced 31 Grant Graham 10 Saratoga 32 Preston Dean 12 Oak Ridge 35 Jordan Pyzer 12 Clovis North Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
Broc Westlake 12 Reed-NV 11 Jesse Doyle 12 Wheatmore-NC Contenders:
Surprisingly, 195lbs is shaping up to be one of the strongest fields in the tournament. Jesse Doyle (Wheatmore-NC) is the headliner here ranked #11 by T.O.M. and a multiple-time North Carolina State Champion, as well as a commit to Iowa State next season. He will be challenged by returning state medalist Dakota Gordon (Clovis) who really emerged at the Doc Buchanan last season, narrowly tasting defeat to a heavily favored finals opponent. Also looking to challenge and starting off the season strong are Khymba Johnson (Center), William Gockel-Figge (Simi Valley), and Elder Cruz (La Habra). In all, you have 9 of the Top 11 California ranked wrestlers in this bracket.Dark Horses:
Broc Westlake (Reed-NV) could be a surprise here as a Nevada State Champion last year. Jeramy Sweany (Vacaville) could make some noise at this weight as well.2011 Final @ 189: Luke Sheridan (De La Salle) dec Dakota Gordon (Clovis), 4-3
220
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 2 Justin Walker 12 De La Salle 3 John Everard 12 Etiwanda 5 Josh Letuligasenoa 12 Elk Grove 8 Rudy Amaya 12 Foothill 9 Sean Medley 11 Wasco 10 Richard Durr 12 Poway 13 Eric Mendoza 12 Madera 14 Alex Encarncion 12 College Park 18 Chumkaur Dhaliwal 11 James Logan 21 Andrew Sanchez 12 Golden West 22 Deonte Willis 12 Paso Robles 23 Gannon Del Fierro 12 Clovis East 28 Charles Rassel 12 Carlsbad 33 Cortes Morales 10 Clovis West 34 Kyle Martinez 12 Pitman 36 Jason Price 11 Hoopa Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
16 Spencer Empty 11 Reed-NV 2 (6A) Ben Goirigolzarri 12 Roseburg-OR Contenders:
Like 195lbs, 220lbs is headlined by another out-of-stater in T.O.M. #16 Spencer Empty (Reed-NV), a Nevada State Champion and 2x Reno TOC Champion. Justin Walker (De La Salle) may not be ready yet as his season starts unbearably late, always a part of De La Salle’s championship football runs. If not, JJ Everard (Etiwanda) and Josh Letuligasenoa (Elk Grove) are right behind and ready to challenge. Ben Goirigolzarri (Roseburg-OR) is ranked 2nd in Oregon’s 6A class and comes off of a Reno TOC runner-up finish.Dark Horses:
Watch for Sean Medley (Wasco) to have a breakout junior season after battling with the big boys for two years. Richard Durr (Poway) is as powerful as any in the field along with Deonte Willis (Paso Robles). They could give people fits in the early rounds.2011 Final @ 215: AC Brown (Oakdale) dec Jeff Vargas (South Hills), 3-1
285
Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:
T.O.M. St Rnk Name Grade School 4 1 Nick Nevills 10 Clovis 20 2 John Schupp 12 Vacaville 3 Mike Lowman 12 Foothill 4 Jordan Alleva 12 Folsom 5 Robert Chism 12 Downey 6 Kelly Simmons 12 Poway 7 David Trujillo 12 Villa Park 9 Jordan Olgin 12 Foothill 11 Eric Chavez 12 Healdsburg 15 Jaharee Taylor 11 Elk Grove 16 Jose Lara 12 Gilroy 17 Narcisco Juarez 12 Sanger 19 Carson Crawford 12 Centennial 21 John Popek 12 Frontier 25 Chris Alonso 12 Central Union 27 Mark Trevino 12 Corcoran 28 Jonathan Roa 11 Lemoore 34 Kenneth Clark 11 Carter 40 Andrew Avila 12 Clovis West Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:
Lahmad Evans 11 Las Vegas-NV 3 (6A) Marq Randall 12 Roseburg-OR Contenders:
Two nationally ranked heavyweights lead the big boys with last year’s freshman sensation Nick Nevills (Clovis) leading the charge. T.O.M. #4 Nevills was a Doc Buchanan Champion and a State Champion as a freshman, setting himself up as a possible 4x Doc Buchanan Champion with only 3 other names in the 35-year history of the tournament. T.O.M. #20 John Schupp broke through last season with a 5th place state finish and will push Nevills all year for the title. Heavyweight is extremely deep with Mike Lowman (Foothill-Sacramento), Jordan Alleva (Folsom), Robert Chism (Downey), Kelly Simmons (Poway), and David Trujillo (Villa Park) all having the firepower to win the title.Dark Horses:
Watch out for Jordan Olgin (Foothill-Bakersfield) as one of the most athletic heavyweights in the field. Lahmad Evans (Las Vegas-NV) could also pose some problems as a 3rd place finisher in Nevada as a sophomore.2011 Final @ 285: Nick Nevills (Clovis) dec Steven Wood (Lemoore), 5-2 2ot
TEAMS
# TEAM SECTION 1 Clovis Central 2 Bakersfield Central 3 Poway San Diego 4 De la Salle North Coast 5 Gilroy Central Coast 6 Vacaville Sac Joaquin 7 St. John Bosco Southern 8 Elk Grove Sac Joaquin 9 Lemoore Central 11 Healdsburg North Coast 12 Clovis West Central 13 Clovis East Central 14 Newark Memorial North Coast 15 Selma Central 16 Folsom Sac Joaquin 18 Santa Fe Southern 19 Central Union San Diego 20 Bella Vista Sac Joaquin 22 Frontier Central 23 Righetti Southern 25 Oakdale Sac Joaquin 27 North Torrance Southern 28 Wasco Central 30 Madera Central 1 (6A) Roseburg Oregon 3 (5A) Ponderosa Colorado 1 (5A) Cleveland New Mexico Contenders:
There has been more talk of teams in the West this year after last year’s finish by Clovis and Bakersfield, #7 and #8 in the final T.O.M. rankings respectively. This year, Clovis leads the way nationally at #6 while #19 Poway has already made their mark with a record-setting Reno TOC performance and a stable full of young, but presumably ready, talent. As of this writing, Poway may not be at full strength for the Doc Buchanan, but it will nonetheless be a great showcase of top teams in the state. Bakersfield checks in at Honorable Mention nationally, just outside the Top 25, but is typically deliberate about building toward their post-season run. The top 3 teams will be difficult to outscore but the competition is plentiful.Teams like De La Salle, Vacaville, and Elk Grove are all solid and deep enough to score well at the Doc Buchanan. St. John Bosco is new on the scene with 3 fabulous freshmen and due to the increasing strength of the tournament, they may have enough to contend at the top. Look for Gilroy to follow the same mold as St. John Bosco, only they’ve been doing it for years.
Dark Horses:
All the way down to #16 in the state, only 1 team is missing from this year’s field. With 15 of the top teams in the state, you’re going to see a state-tournament like atmosphere from the opening whistle. Watch for a very strong, senior-laden Folsom team to make some noise and finish higher than their #16 ranking.Also look out for the first real test in years from out-of-state competition. Roseburg is a perennial state championship team in Oregon’s 6A division and this is their 1st Doc Buchanan Invitational appearance. Also making their first appearance is Cleveland, the #1 ranked team in New Mexico’s 5A division. Ponderosa is ranked 3rd in 5A Colorado, but has won many previous state titles. We welcome the challenge from the surrounding states and look to see how the best from California stack up against some of the best in the Western United States.
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