Welcome to the 6th Annual Clinch Gear Battle for the Belt hosted by Temecula Valley High School. It is the goal of Temecula Valley High School to provide wrestlers, coaches, and fans with a first rate event that features talented athletes, top notch awards, and an entertainment value that is second to none. This year’s event rivals any that we have had in the past. The addition of a couple key teams could make the team race more competitive than it has been in the past several years. Of course, three time California team state champion Clovis will certainly have something to say about that. Coming off a team title over national power Wyoming Seminary (Pennsylvania) at the prestigious Doc Buchanan Invitational, the Cougars looked primed and ready to claim their fourth consecutive team title at this year’s Battle for the Belt.

A handful of teams enter the field with hopes of dethroning them. Perennial Sac-Joaquin Section power Vacaville makes their first ever appearance at the Battle for the Belt and they come in currently ranked second in the state of California. As always, they present a well balanced lineup from top to bottom. For the first time in it history, the Battle for the Belt will host a school from east of the Rockies as nationally ranked Bethlehem Catholic of Pennsylvania will size up the west coast competition. Also vying for a top spot in the team rankings will be perennial state and San Diego Section power Poway. After a second place team finish in the last two years at the Battle for the Belt, Poway hopes to climb to the top of the podium in this year’s competition. Also boasting a handful of state and nationally ranked wrestlers is the Southern Section’s St John Bosco who comes off a strong performance at the Doc Buchanan Invitational where they had three individual champions. In addition to an outstanding field of California teams in which eight of the state’s ten CIF sections are represented, Nevada will be well represented by a strong contingent of standout teams and individual wrestlers. Also returning for their second consecutive year is Pine Creek who fields a number of Colorado state placers and Fargo All-Americans.

106 Pounds
The 106 pound weight class appears to be a four man race led by two time California state medalist Gionn Peralta of Vacaville and freshman standout Luke Karam of Bethlehem Catholic. Karam is ranked in the state of Pennsylvania and has been ranked as high as fourth nationally by Amateur Wrestling News (AWN). Hoping to challenge Peralta and Karam are returning state placer Adrian Campasano of Central and Reno TOC champion Tirso Lara of Poway. A potential semifinals matchup between Lara and Karam could have a significant impact on the team race. The dark horse in this weight class is Oakdale’s Nico Colunga. Already a Battle of the Belt placer and state qualifier as a freshman, Colunga has put in a lot of off season work in his attempts to catch the top contenders. Other state ranked wrestlers who will vie for medal contention include Temecula Valley’s Christian Root, Bloomington’s Miles Avila-Johnson, St John Bosco’s Julian Gendreau, and Clovis’ Tristan Gilliland.

Zahid Valencia – St. John Bosco

113 Pounds
The clear favorite at 113 is St John Bosco’s Zahid Valenica who is not only a defending state champion, but he is also ranked #1 in the country. As a two time Walsh Ironman champion and two time Doc B champion, there are few things that would add to Valencia’s résumé . After sitting out last year’s Battle for the Belt, however, a title belt at this year’s tournament would do just that. Other contenders who hope to make a title run include two time Reno TOC champion and Nevada state champion Sean Cannon of Green Valley and Walsh Ironman placer Sean Williams or Lemoore. A trio of former California state medalists including Julian Gaytan of Clovis, Matt Smull of Shasta, and Alfredo Espinoza of Otay Ranch make this one of the deeper weight classes in the tournament. Also vying for medal contention will be two time LA section champion Sergio Mendez of San Fernando and state ranked wrestlers Anthony Hernandez of Vacaville as well as Joseph Jauregui of Clovis East.

120 Pounds
Six of the top ten wrestlers in California are represented in a very competitive field. The favorite may be Bethlehem Catholic’s Darian Cruz who is ranked #1 in the state of Pennsylvania and fourth nationally. To take home the title belt, however, he will have to deal with the likes of defending state and Battle for the Belt champion Isaiah Locsin of Live Oak. Central Union’s Micah Perez has a couple of third place finishes at the state tournament and could be poised to make a run at the finals. Two time state placer Arnulfo Olea of Exeter and three time state qualifier Kasey Klaus of Vacaville could play the role of spoiler while Oakdale’s Ronnie Stevens and Valley Center’s Manny Boyle are also capable of throwing a wrench into things. Returning state medalist Jordan Gurrolla of North Torrance will also be making his season debut at 120 pounds which makes this one of the deepest weight classes of the tournament. Others ranked in the top 20 include St John Bosco’s Johnny Zazuerta, Clovis’ Khristian Olivas, and Poway’s Kimo Dial.

126 Pounds
It appears to be a two man race at 126 pounds between Bethlehem Catholic’s Zeke Moisey and Clovis’ Jonas Gaytan. Moisey comes in ranked second in the state of Pennsylvania and third nationally (AWN). He may be challenged by returning California state finalist Jonas Gaytan of Clovis who will be seeking his fourth finals appearance and third title at the Battle for the Belt. St John Bosco’s Joseph Dominguez was a finalist at 113 pounds at last year’s Battle for the Belt and could once again contend for a spot in the finals. To do so, he will have to deal with the likes of former state qualifiers Cameron Bailey of Vacaville, Tommy Yozzo of Amador Valley, and Nathan Cervantes of De La Salle. Poway’s Gabe Faller, Selma’s Ruben Garcia, and Cimarron’s Angel Laurente round out a very balanced group at 126 pounds.

132 Pounds
Fab freshman Aaron Pico leads the way at 132 and he should not be challenged. Having claimed multiple national titles in freestyle and Greco-Roman as well as titles at the highly touted Walsh Ironman in Ohio and Doc Buchanan Invitation earlier this season, Pico comes into the tournament ranked #1 in the country. Hoping to meet Pico in the finals are Nevada state runner-up Zack Perry of Green Valley and former California state medalist Ali Naser of El Camino Real. A host of returning state qualifiers round out the potential medal contenders including Poway’s Ralphie Tovar, Long Beach Poly’s AJ McKee, Central’s Matt Ontiveros, Calvary Chapel’s Adam Alvarado, and Temecula Valley’s Joshy Cortez.

138 Pounds
Returning state champion and cadet national champion Anthony Valencia is the clear favorite at 138 pounds. Bethlehem Catholic’s Ryan Todora could make for an interesting finals matchup if he can get past two time Colorado state champion Geordan Martinez of Pine Creek. In addition to being a three time state finalist, Martinez has eared several All-American honors at freestyle and folkstyle national tournaments. This weight class also fields a host of other solid competitors. Among them are Poway’s Sergio Enloe and Bloomington’s Uzo Owuana. While neither wrestler qualified for the state meet last year, both have taken this wrestling season by storm scoring impressive wins over highly touted opponents. Beaumont’s Terrill Sidener and Walnut’s Michael Sill both placed fourth in last year’s Southern Section Masters (at 126 and 132, respectively) before going on to win multiple matches at the state meet. Both will look to make some noise at the Battle for the Belt. Don’t forget about two time San Diego section finalist Antono Perez of Central Union who will be looking to avenge a couple of early season losses against other competitors in the bracket. Others who will be in the medal hunt include ML King’s Nolan Kistler, Aliso Niguel’s Ian Michinock, Cimarron’s London Thomas, and Temecula Valley’s Kyler Phillips.

Victor Lopez – Poway HS

145 Pounds
The belt at 145 pounds is up for grabs in what may be the most competitive field in the tournament. Two time California state medalist Victor Lopez of Poway is coming off of an impressive finals appearance at the Doc B and may be poised for a title run at the Battle for the Belt. Two Central Section stars could also make a run at the title. Returning state medalist Jason Ladd of Clovis is coming off an impressive third place finish at the Doc B while two time state placer Coleman Hammond of Bakersfield will be looking to avenge earlier season losses against Lopez and Ladd. Others who will be in contention for the title include two time Colorado state medalist Derrick Ortiz of Pine Creek and returning Nevada state finalist Alex Aniciete of Las Vegas. Returning state qualifier Joey Abbate of Central Catholic will be looking to improve on a sixth place finish at last year’s Battle for the Belt, but he may face stiff competition from fellow Sac Joaquin Section placer Haydan Fry of Vacaville. Temecula Valley’s Leo Mendez could also make some noise at this weight class. With some impressive head to head wins over the course of the season, Mendez is still looking to break through with a medal at a top tier tournament.

152 Pounds
It will be tough for Righetti’s Luke Wilson to follow up last year’s performance at the Battle for the Belt. Scoring a fall just 25 seconds into the championship finals, Wilson capped a championship run that included wins over several quality opponents as he came out of the five seed to win it all. This year, Wilson enters the tournament as the favorite at 152 pounds. Looking to challenge Wilson will be returning state qualifiers Tyler Noon of Oakdale and Andrew Fierro of Bakersfield, but they may have to first get through Calvary Chapel’s Aaron Negrete who is having an outstanding season in 2012-13. Others to watch at this weight include De La Salle’s Peyton Russem, Vacaville’s Zack Dawson, San Marcos’ Alexander Graves, Clovis’ Dominic Kincaid, Valley Center’s Cody Silva, and Bethlehem Catholic’s Mark Maloney.

160 Pounds
Rumor has it that three time defending Battle for the Belt champion and two time defending state champion Isaiah Martinez of Lemoore will be making a special appearance at the 170 pound weight class for this year’s Battle for the Belt. If that’s true, it certainly brightens the hopes of many wrestlers at this weight class. Fellow Central Section standout and returning state placer Kyle Perrault of Clovis East could be the favorite, but he could be challenged by Connor Hedash of Bethlehem Catholic and returning state qualifier Bradley Christensen of Chaparral. Other wrestlers ranked in the top 20 include Dinuba’s Michael Wright, Bakersfield’s Hunter Hodges, Clovis’ Brody Brand, and Selma’s Ryan Escalera.

170 Pounds
Even giving up a little bit of weight, Lemoore’s Isaiah Martinez would be the clear favorite should he choose to make the jump to 170 for this year’s Battle for the Belt. A two time defending state champion, Martinez is currently ranked #2 in the country and is coming off a freestyle national championship in Fargo this past summer. If Martinez takes care of business, he would make history by becoming the first ever four time Battle for the Belt champion. Despite all of Martinez’ accolades, it would be unfair to overlook Sultana’s Corey Griego who has an impressive résumé in his own right. The returning state placer is coming off earlier season performances that include a fourth place finish at the Walsh Ironman in Ohio and a championship run at the Doc B. A couple of returning state placers who will look to challenge Griego are Central Catholic’s Ray Lomas and Poway’s Stevie Cervantes. Bethlehem Catholic’s Nick Cortopassi may also contend for a finals appearance at this weight. Others in medal contention include Harlan Kistler of ML King, and Bryce Martin of Bakersfield.

Adrian Salas – Clovis HS

182 Pounds
Boasting a wealth of talented athletes, the field at 182 pounds could be among the more competitive at this year’s Battle for the Belt. The slight edge may go to returning Nevada state runner-up and reigning Reno TOC champion Ryder Newman of Green Valley. Two time California state medalist Adrian Salas of Clovis could pose a very serious obstacle to Newman’s quest for the belt. Returning California state finalist Kyle Pope of Bakersfield is the defending Battle for the Belt champion, but he would have to avenge earlier season losses to both Salas and Newman should he hope to earn a second consecutive title belt. The dark horse at this weight could be Bethlehem Catholic’s Jose Ortiz and he should not be underestimated. Sophomore Austin Flores of Clovis North is just starting to come into his own and he should challenge for a top spot on the podium along with Vacaville’s Chris Lai and Sultana’s Matt Williams. Other wrestlers to watch include Aaron Pease of De La Salle and Robert Flores of St John Bosco.

195 Pounds
Two returning state placers lead to the way at 195 pounds and their sharp contrast in styles could make for a very interesting finals matchup. Immanuel Barber brings an explosive, attacking, physical style to his wrestling and he is known for his ability to score in the neutral position. Barber placed third in last year’s state meet at 170 pounds and has followed that performance up with an impressive 6th place finish at the Walsh Ironman (at 182 pounds). Jeramy Sweany of Vacaville is known for his slick, methodical style on his feet and his ability to score points on the mat. Sweaney also placed at last year’s state meet, finishing eighth at 195 pounds. Since then, he has added a third place finish at cadet nationals in Fargo and a Reno TOC championship earlier this season. Also in contention for medals will be Josh Alpha of Bethlehem Catholic, Matt Weiss of Clovis, and Josh Karam of Clovis North.

220 Pounds
One of the few accomplishments missing from Reed High School’s Spencer Empey’s résumé is a title at the Battle for the Belt. The two time defending Nevada state champion is currently ranked fourth in the nation (AWN) and has won the last three Reno TOC championships along with the past two Doc B championships at 220 pounds. In his first appearance at the Battle for the Belt, Empey is the clear favorite. Hoping to challenge Empey will be Blooomington’s Derrick Jones who has followed up a sohpomore campaign, in which he was top 12 in the state of California, with a very solid junior season. Poway’s Tim Chassen has placed at some very prestigious tournaments including the Doc B and Reno TOC and he appears poised for a place at one of the top spots on the podium at the Battle for the Belt. Returning state qualifiers Evan Dahlquist of Foothill—Palo Cedro and Graham Grant of Saratoga will also be in medal contention.

285 Pounds
Three of the top four ranked wrestlers in the state of California will make an appearance at this year’s Battle for the Belt. Former state champion Nick Nevills of Clovis seems poised to win his second consecutive title belt. Nevills is ranked third nationally and has placed first and third in the last two state tournaments, respectively. Hoping to meet Nevills in what could be a preview of the state finals is returning state medalist Nour Andullatif of Roosevelt. Hoping to stand in Andullatif’s way is Cimarron’s Austin Sinyard who will look to improve on a fourth place finish at last year’s Battle for the Belt. Others who could challenge for a top spot on the podium include a handful of returning state qualifiers including Carlsbad’s Chance Eskam, Carter’s Kenneth Clark, Escondido’s James Cannon, and Lemoore’s Jonathan Roa. Bethlehem Catholic’s Andrew Dunn and Moorpark’s Matt Thompson should also be in contention for a medal.