By Pablo DiMaria
High School Correspondent

Click here to see the Brackets
Click here to see the Official Seeds

Welcome to the 2013 Mission San Jose Invitational, known as the last big test before the road to Bakersfield. This tournament brings in the best from California’s tough North Coast Section, as well as schools from the Central Section, Central Coast Section, San Joaquin Section, Northern Section, and San Francisco Section. Clovis will look to win its sixth straight tournament title. This year’s event features 81 wrestlers who are currently ranked in the state of California, as well as 11 wrestlers ranked nationally by Amateur Wrestling News. Let’s take a look at each weight class to figure out the leading candidates to win titles this year.

106 Pounds
6-Durbin Lloren (Buchanan)
22-Jared Luty (American)
31-Alvin Nguyen (Silver Creek)
39-Ray Moneta (James Logan)
Analysis
Durbin Lloren (Buchanan) is a talented freshman who has been wrestling really well for coach Troy Tirapelle. He was third at the tough Doc Buchanan and was a champion at the Oak Park-River Forest tournament in Illinois. Another freshman who has been wrestling well is Jared Luty from American High. So far this season he has won three tournaments and has medaled in all four tournaments that American High has entered. Alvin Nguyen (Silver Creek) was a Central Coast Section medal winner last year at 106 pounds. Ray Moneta (James Logan High) has medaled in four tournaments this season for James Logan.
AWN Picks
1- Durbin Lloren
2- Jared Luty
3- Alvin Nguyen
4- Ray Moneta

113 Pounds
9-Julian Gaytan (Clovis
20-Greg Gaxiola (Buchanan)
26-Joey Vigil (Heritage)
38-David Conte (De La Salle)
Analysis
Julian Gaytan (Clovis High) was third in this event at 106 pounds last year. He was also a sixth place finisher in the California state tournament last year. Joey Vigil (Heritage High) was a 2012 California state qualifier and he is also a two-time North Coast Section place winner. David Conte (De La Salle High) is a tough individual who was sixth in the North Coast Section in 2012 at 106 pounds. Greg Gaxiola (Buchanan High) is coached by former Illini and Big 10 finalist Troy Tirapelle. Gaxiola has been wrestling at 120 pounds all season until last week when he took second in the Oak Park-River Forest tournament in Illinois at 113 pounds.
AWN Picks
1- Julian Gaytan
2- Greg Gaxiola
3- Joey Vigil
4- David Conte

Isaiah Locsin – Live Oak HS

120 Pounds
2-Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak)
15-Nathan Cervantes (De La Salle)
16-Jason Delacruz (Buchanan)
17-Khristian Olivas (Clovis)
18-Ricky Coster (Freedom)
21-Jonas Tirado (Kingsburg)
26-Jacob Donato (James Logan)
27-Devon Lyle (Liberty)
Analysis
With six wrestlers with state experience, this weight class is going to be a barnburner from the quarterfinals on. The number one seed should be nationally ranked wrestler and California state champion, Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak High). Other wrestlers who will look to challenge Locsin are Nathan Cervantez ( De La Salle High) 2012 state qualifier, Jason Delacruz (Buchanan High) 2012 state qualifier, Ricky Coster (Freedom High) 2012 state qualifier and NHSCA sophomore All-American. Others to watch, Khristian Olivas (Clovis High) Doc Buchanan medal winner, Jonas Tirado (Kingsburg High) Five Counties place winner, Jacob Donato (James Logan) 2012 state qualifier, and Devon Lyle (Liberty High) 2012 state qualifier.
AWN Picks
1-Isaiha Locsin
2-Nathan Cervantez
3-Jason Delacruz
4¬-Khristian Olivas

126 Pounds
2-Jonas Gaytan (Clovis)
9-Sean Brown (Granite Bay)
15-Tom Yozzo (Amador Valley)
38-Eric Royfman (George Washington)
39- Richard Jones (Freedom)
Analysis
Jonas Gaytan (Clovis High) is a fast, aggressive, funky wrestler who often gets into difficult situations on the mat but somehow comes out victorious. He is a two-time California state medalist and, with a current national ranking at this weight class, will take his talent to the Buckeye state where he will wrestle for Kent State University this fall. Tom Yozzo (Amador Valley High) was third in this event in 2012 at 113 pounds and was also a state qualifier. Eric Royfman (George Washington High) is a two-time state qualifier and also a two-time San Francisco Section champion. Others to watch, Sean Brown (Granite Bay) and Richard Jones (Freedom).
AWN Picks
1- Jonas Gaytan
2- Tom Yozzo
3- Sean Brown
4- Eric Royfman

Javier Gasca III – Kingsburg HS

132 Pounds
2-Javier Gasca (Kingsburg)
10-Austin Solari (Liberty)
11-Artemio Flores (James Logan)
21-Kyler Hansen (Buchanan)
23-Zeke Andrade (Foothill)
30-Willy Lamacchia (Harbor)
Analysis
This weight class is one of the deepest with five wrestlers having state experience, and two wrestlers who were finalists in this event. Javier Gasca (Kingsburg High) should be the clear favorite at this weight. Gasca was third in the 2012 California state tournament and has medaled at the Super 32 pre-season tournament, Flo Nationals, Doc Buchanan, and Five Counties tournaments. He will take his talent next year to Michigan State and wrestle for coach Tom Minkel. Austin Solari (Liberty High) took sixth place in this event last year at 126 pounds. Solari has qualified to the state tournament as a junior and freshman; this year he looks solid and is a dark horse to be a state medalist. Artemio Flores (James Logan High) was the runner-up in this event at 126 pounds in 2012. He was eighth in the tough Doc Buchanan tournament and is also a two-time state qualifier. Zeke Andrade (Foothill) was the 2012 runner-up in this event at 120 pounds. Andrade is a two-time state qualifier and a two-time North Section medalist. At the moment he has yet to wrestle a match but looks like he’ll be ready for this tournament. Others to watch, Kyler Hansen (Buchanan) 2012 state qualifier and Willy Lamacchia (Harbor) Central Coast Section medalist.
AWN Picks
1- Javier Gasca
2- Austin Solari
3- Artemio Flores
4- Kyler Hansen

Johnny Callas – Nevada Union

138 Pounds
6-Johnny Callas (Nevada Union)
12-Jacob Macalolooy (James Logan)
19-Nico Lang (Livermore)
34-Caleb Trace (Clovis)
37-Matt McCoy (Clayton Valley)
39-Ward Beecher (Upper Lake)
Analysis
Johnny Callas (Nevada Union) is one of two wrestlers in this weight class that medaled last year in this event. Callas was a 2012 state qualifier and a San Joaquin Section Master champion. He was a match away from being a place winner last year at state, and this season was sixth at Reno TOC and has won four tournaments titles. Jacob Macalolooy (James Logan High) was a 2012 state qualifier and place winner in this event at 113 pounds. He has managed his weight really well and looks to represent James Logan and the new coaching staff in the finals. Both Matt McCoy (Clayton Valley High) and Ward Beecher (Upper Lake High) were 2012 North Coast Section medal winners at 132 and 138 pounds. Others to watch, Nico Lang (Livermore) and Caleb Trace (Clovis).
AWN Picks
1- Johnny Callas
2- Jacob Macalolooy
3- Nico Lang
4- Matt McCoy

145 Pounds
4-Jason Ladd (Clovis)
10-Travis Coleman (Upper Lake)
15-Conner Francis (Buchanan)
18-Peyton Russum (De La Salle)
21-Angel Beltran (Granada)
24-Anthony Urbina (College Park)
28-Levi Russell (Las Lomas)
32-Kaleo Romero (Oakmont)
35-Michael Kraft (San Lorenzo Valley)
Analysis
Jason Ladd (Clovis) is the clear favorite at this weight. He was fifth in the 2012 California state tournament and he is also a two-time state qualifier. Ladd has also finished in third place at both Doc Buchanan and Battle for the Belt this season. Travis Coleman (Upper Lake High) is a veteran in the North Coast Section circuit. This season so far he has been a finalist in all six tournaments his team has entered. Watch for him to battle his way through the finals and show the rest of California that he is ready to advance to his first ever state tournament this year. Connor Francis (Buchanan) was a 2012 state qualifier at 132 pounds as a freshman. This season he has medaled at Doc Buchanan and won the Oak Park-River Forest tournament in Illinois. Peyton Russum (De La Salle High) is the only wrestler in this weight class that medaled last year in this event. A tough competitor who is always looking to take his opponents down, he was a 2012 North Coast Section medalist. Others to watch, Angel Beltran (Granada High) 2012 North Coast Section medalist, Anthony Urbina (College Park) 2nd Sierra Nevada (145), Kaleo Romero (Oakmont) 2012 San Joaquin Section medalist, and Michael Kraft (San Lorenzo Valley High) two-time Central Coast Section medalist.
AWN Picks
1- Jason Ladd
2- Travis Coleman
3- Conner Francis
4- Peyton Russum

Tyler Rardon – Livermore HS

152 Pounds
10-Tyler Rardon (Livermore)
11-Dominic Kincaid (Clovis)
16-Joseph Clay (Rancho Cotate)
23-Matt Berry (Granite Bay)
35-Garrett Heath (Novato)
Analysis
Two medal winners from last year’s tournament are in this weight even though they won their medals at different weights. Tyler Rardon (Livermore High) took sixth place in this weight class in 2012. He was a 2012 state qualifier and a 2012 North Coast Section champion. Dominic Kincaid (Clovis High) was a sixth place finisher in 2012 at 145 pounds in this tournament. He was a match away from qualifying to the California state tournament last year. He has been wrestling extremely well this season; look for him to be a dark horse medal winner in California this year. Matt Berry (Granite Bay High) was eighth in the tough San Joaquin Section last year. Others to watch, Joseph Clay (Rancho Cotate) and Garrett Heath (Novato).
AWN Picks
1- Dominic Kincaid
2- Tyler Rardon
3- Matt Berry
4- Joseph Clay

160 Pounds
20-Brody Brand (Clovis)
22-Will Sumner (Nevada Union)
35-Kyle Campiotti (Granada)
40-Christian Murabito (Saratoga)
Analysis
Brody Brand (Clovis High) is the highest state ranked wrestler in this weight class at #20. He is a tough individual as all Clovis High wrestlers are. He was a place winner in the tough Doc Buchanan tournament, and was a quarterfinalist in Battle for the Belt tournament in Southern California. Look for him to rack up some points for Clovis and be a finalist. Will Sumner (Nevada Union High) hails from the tough San Joaquin Section. He has two tournament titles under his belt and a third place finish at the North California tournament. Others to watch, Kyle Campiotti (Granada) and Christian Murabito (Saratoga).
AWN Picks
1- Brody Brand
2- Will Sumner
3- Christian Murabito
4- Kyle Campiotti

170 Pounds
2-Peter Santos (Oakmont)
15-Tanner Blank (Liberty)
16-Aaron Pease (De La Salle)
20-Louis Cosce (Hoopa Valley)
23-Joseph Lowman (Half Moon Bay)
27-Nathan Morris (Redwood)
34-Javier Reyes (Buchanan)
35-Tyrone Grantham (Clovis)
Analysis
Peter Santos from Oakmont High should be the number one seed and the favorite to win this weight class. Santos has qualified to the California state tournament since his freshman year and was a place winner last year. He is currently ranked #11 in the nation and #2 in the state. Aaron Pease (De La Salle High) is the only medal winner in this weight class after finishing in fourth place at 170 pounds. Pease is a 2012 state qualifier and also a two-time North Coast Section medalist. Louis Cosce (Hoopa Valley High) was a 2012 state qualifier, and also a two-time North Coast Section place winner. Others to watch, Joseph Lowman (Half Moon Bay) 2012 state qualifier, Nathan Morris (Redwood High) 2012 North Coast Section place winner, and Tanner Blank (Liberty).
AWN Picks
1-Peter Santos
2-Tanner Blank
3-Aaron Pease
4-Louis Cosce

Adrian Salas – Clovis HS

182 Pounds
1-Adrian Salas (Clovis)
12-Zach Hanson (Liberty)
16-Jackson Grout (Buchanan)
22-Devon Aiello (De La Salle)
37-Jacob Richards-Clarke (Fort Bragg)
40-Shoaib Rasooli (James Logan)
Analysis
Two medal winners from last year’s tournament are back in Adrian Salas (Clovis High) and Zach Hanson (Liberty High). Salas is the defending Mission San Jose champion, winning the title at 160 pounds last year. He is a two-time California state place winner and he’s currently 17-1 in the season. Hanson was fifth at 170 pounds last year and was a 2012 California state qualifier. Devon Aiello (De La Salle High) was a section medalist in 2012 and looks ready to make the big jump and advance to state this year. Others to watch, Jackson Grout (Buchanan High), Jacob Richards (Fort Bragg), and Shoaib Rasooli (James Logan).
AWN Picks
1- Adrian Salas
2- Zach Hanson
3- Jackson Grout
4- Devon Aiello

195 Pounds
4-Matt Weiss (Clovis)
9-Clayton Hartwell (James Logan)
Analysis
Two top 10 wrestlers in California should do battle for the Mission San Jose Invitational title at this weight. Matt Weis (Clovis High) was a 2012 state qualifier and was third at this year’s Doc Buchanan Invitational and second in the Battle for Belt tournament* in Southern California. Clayton Hartwell (James Logan High) was a 2012 state qualifier and was 6th at the tough Doc Buchanan tournament.
*Doc Buchanan and Battle for the Belt are considered by many as the number one and two tournaments in California.

220 Pounds
7-Evan Dahlquist (Foothill)
9-Eric An (Buchanan)
12-Nate Keeve (Terra Linda)
15-Manuel Villalobos (Birmingham)
16-Graham Grant (Saratoga)
21-Andrew Frick (Palo Alto)
32-Peter Mendoza (Madera South)
33-Joe Valdez (Upper Lake)
37-Hexton Coronado (Clovis)
38-Bryan Vigil (James Logan)
Analysis
Only one place winner returns at this weight. Eric An (Buchanan High) was third in this event last year at 195 pounds. This year he’s having another good season for the Bears, placing at the tough Doc Buchanan tournament and wining the OPRF Invitational in Illinois. Three wrestlers with state experience at this weight class are Evan Dahlquist (Foothill High), Andrew Frick (Palo Alto High), and Graham Grant (Saratoga High). Expect all three to challenge any wrestler to be in the finals of this event. Another wrestler who is a leader on his team is Manuel Villalobos (Birmingham High). Villalobos’ coach is former Fresno State wrestler and California state champion, Jimmy Medeiros. Others to watch, Nate Keeve (Terra Linda) 3rd Sierra Nevada (220), Peter Mendoza (Madera South) 1st Mid Cals (220), Hexton Coronado (Clovis) 7th Temecula Valley (220), and section medal winner Joe Valdez (Upper Lake High).
AWN Picks
1- Eric An
2- Manuel Villalobos
3- Graham Grant
4- Evan Dahlquist

285 Pounds
1-Nick Nevills (Clovis)
19-Tony Kosinski (Marin Catholic)
35-Robert Dorgan (Hoopa Valley)
39-Rangel Lowry (Deer Valley)
Analysis
The two individuals who were finalists in 2012 are back and hope to meet each other once again for the title. Nick Nevills (Clovis High) was the 2012 champion in this event. Nevills is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation and No. 1 in the state of California. He’s a two-time state medalist and is currently 30-0 with 20 pins. Tony Kosinski (Marin Catholic) is back after failing to win a title last year in this event. He was a 2012 state qualifier and he is hoping to redeem himself after getting pinned last year by Nevills in the finals. Others to watch, Robert Dorgan (Hoopa Valley) Doc Buchanan medalist and Rangel Lowry (Deer Valley).
AWN Picks
1- Nick Nevills
2- Tony Kosinski
3- Robert Dorgan
4- Rangel Lowry