Despite being underestimated, the Delta wrestling program managed to produce during the biggest wrestling event this season.
On Dec. 1, Delta hosted the Northern California Regionals.
Participating teams included Fresno City, Sacramento City, Skyline, Santa Rosa, Sierra, Delta, Shasta, Chabot, Lassen and Modesto.
As soon as the doors of the Blanchard Gym opened, fans from across California started to pour in by the hundreds.
Early on, powerhouse wrestling programs made their presence known.
Fresno City College quickly took the lead in team points at the start of the tournament.
By the time the duals were over Fresno had a grand total of 180.5 points, ranking the team first in the tournament and in the Northern California conference.
Ten wrestlers from Fresno ended up qualifying for the state competition in the process for Fresno.
Shortly behind Fresno was Sacramento City College, which had a total of 141 points.
Sacramento may have been outscored, but the team produced just as many state competitors as Fresno.
Sac City’s heart and passion remained unmatched throughout the tournament so it was no surprise that the college contributed just as many wrestlers.
A great example of Sac City’s heart is wrestler Alex Campos.
The average person might think that Campos may have a disadvantage since he is missing his right hand but, he has a different perspective.
“I have never felt like I was at a disadvantage while I wrestled, I actually sometimes feel like I have an advantage because people underestimate me and I use that against them,” said Campos.
Campos’ positive outlook kept his team motivated and led him to placing fourth in the 197 weight class, also qualifying him for state.
Even though many schools did not catch the attention of the spotlight, many still managed to generate results.
Delta finished the tournament in eighth place with a total of 59 points. Although Delta placed low as a team, the Mustangs still were able to move four wrestlers on to the state championship.
“I am extremely satisfied with the results of the tournament. We have had better performances in the past as a team but, four guys were able to qualify for state so I am pleased with the results,” said head coach Mike Sandler.
The Mustang’s Ricky Castillo, Aaron Ceballos, Atom Garcia and Antoine Lopes will all have the opportunity to wrestle in the state championships.
If interested in attending the state championship, it will be held today and Saturday, Dec. 8 at West Hills College on Coalinga.
