A friend of mine is considering moving out to Los Angeles having lived there from 1973 to 2003. He asked me about good wrestling in the area. I immediately said Vanguard. Of course we're talking the second largest city in the country & traffic, but proper planning, it is mileage wise one of the closest varsity wrestling teams to L.A.
Gone is Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) champion & All American Armon Fayyazi as well as All American Ricky Padilla. Adam Valdez another NAIA qualifier from last season has also graduated. Two of the Lions who were one match shy of All American honors last season return, along with two others who didn't make the NAIA championships last season, but look to this season.
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| 141 lbs Steven Kroesen |
Junior Steven Kroesen was 4th in the CCC last season & if he can improve upon both his record & his finish within the conference I look for him to qualify for the NAIA's this season.
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| 149 lbs Gabriel Cortez |
Pretty much mirror what I just said about Steven Kroesen and apply it to Gabriel Cortez. A junior who was 4th in the CCC last season who should stand a legitimate shot at making the NAIA championships this season.
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| 174 lbs Gerardo Hernandez |
NAIA wrestling is like no other form of varsity wrestling. It's the only organization that will allow teams to qualify more than one wrestler at a weight class to the national tournament. Along with Armon Fayyazi mentioned previously, Gerardo Hernandez also qualified for the NAIA's at 174 lbs last season. The two met in the blood match. Can you imagine that? Your dream of being an All American on the line & the guy standing in your way is your teammate? The guy who could keep you from one of the biggest goals of your athletic career is the same guy you practice with every day? That has to be a surreal experience. Fayyazi who went on to capture 7th place defeated Hernandez in sudden victory.
Hernandez has this season left. He has said that his favorite animal is the silverback gorilla because "they are fearless like me." Fearless is exactly what he'll need to be this season as he looks to improve upon his 5th place CCC finish & earn NAIA All American status.
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| 184 lbs Baron Gaunt |
"Spaghetti, Steak and Chocolate Cake" Baron Gaunt nearly made All American status last season when he finished a match shy of placing. 3rd in a very competitive CCC tournament he will look to earn an All American honor this year.
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