Moore League Wrestling: A League of Rising Stars and Championship Dreams
The Moore League wrestling finals, held at Cabrillo on Saturday, showcased a blend of established champions and emerging talent. Fourteen athletes claimed Moore League titles, setting the stage for the CIF Individual Championships at Moorpark High School. This year’s finals weren’t just about winning; they were about legacies, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of a state championship.
Freshman Phenoms and Veteran Victories
Millikan freshman Anthony Avelar kicked off the day with a pin victory in the 106-pound division, marking his first Moore League title. Long Beach Poly’s Knox Espinoza continued his dominance, securing his third consecutive title in the 120-pound weight class. Espinoza has won at 106, 113, and 120 pounds in his three years, and is aiming for a fourth title next season.
Several wrestlers avenged past defeats. Millikan’s Chase Antrobius defeated Cabrillo’s Jonathan Marcos, reversing his result from the previous year’s final. The rivalry between Long Beach Poly’s Colin Ornelas and Millikan’s Jimmy Alvarez Jr. Continued, with Ornelas emerging victorious in the 132-pound category. These two could meet again at the CIF Championships.
Sudden Victory and Three-Time Champions
One of the most thrilling moments of the day came in the 144-pound match, where Millikan’s Milad Sharif defeated Long Beach Poly’s Jayden Al Ekong in a sudden victory period. Sharif secured the win with a crucial escape, sending his team into a frenzy. Millikan’s Chris Anguiano achieved a significant milestone, winning his third consecutive title in the 157-pound division.
Poly and Millikan Dominate, Wilson and Cabrillo Contribute
Long Beach Poly and Millikan consistently demonstrated strength throughout the competition. Poly saw victories from Lincoln Chung (138-pound), Alberto Olague (175-pound), and Jordan Dizon (190-pound), with Dizon also a repeat champion. Millikan’s Jason Fiala (150-pound) and Daniel Escobedo (215-pound) also secured titles, with Escobedo claiming his first Moore League gold. Wilson’s Gannan Erickson and Poly’s Supe Vai Timu also earned gold medals.
Looking Ahead: CIF Championships
The top four wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the CIF Individual Championships. These athletes have demonstrated dedication and skill, and are poised to compete at the next level. The CIF Championships will be held at Moorpark High School.
Moore League Wrestling Finals – Results
106-pound
- 1. Anthony Avelar – Millikan
- 2. Dominic Cortez – Wilson
113-pound
- 1. Martin Ornelas – Long Beach Poly
120-pound
- 1. Knox Espinoza – Long Beach Poly
126-pound
- 1. Chase Antrobius – Millikan
132-pound
- 1. Colin Ornelas – Long Beach Poly
138-pound
- 1 Lincoln Chung – Long Beach Poly
144-pound
- 1. Milad Sharif – Millikan
150-pound
- 1. Jason Fiala – Millikan
157-pound
- 1. Chris Anguiano – Millikan
165-pound
- 1. Gannan Erickson – Wilson
175-pound
- 1. Alberto Olague – Long Beach Poly
190-pound
- 1. Jordan Dizon – Long Beach Poly
215-pound
- 1 Daniel Escobedo – Millikan
285-pound
- 1 Supe Vai Timu – Long Beach Poly
FAQ
Q: Where will the CIF Individual Championships be held?
A: The CIF Individual Championships will be held at Moorpark High School.
Q: How many wrestlers qualify for the CIF Championships from the Moore League?
A: The top four wrestlers in each weight class qualify for the CIF Championships.
Q: Which wrestler won the most Moore League titles this year?
A: Chris Anguiano of Millikan won his third consecutive Moore League title.
Did you know? Knox Espinoza is aiming to become a four-time Moore League champion next year.
Stay tuned for updates on the CIF Individual Championships and the continued success of Moore League wrestlers!
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