The Santa Barbara High wrestling team edged San Marcos 42-30 on Thursday, marking its first Channel League victory in over two decades.
There were several key victories for the Dons, including a hard-fought battle in the 195-pound class. Freshman Thomas Dominguez overcame San Marcos’ Canaan Cates, 5-4.
Joe Alvaro won a thrilling match for San Marcos at 138 pounds. Trailing 8-2 against Patrick Borrayo in the second period, Alvaro managed an escape point and a take down that put Borrayo on his back. He scored the pin with 30 seconds remaining in the period.
Santa Barbara benefitted from five San Marcos forfeits. The Royals scored pins in the 120 through 145-pound weight classes to earn their 30 points.
The match against the Dons was special for San Marcos coach Tony Becerra.
“The cross town rivalry is fun for me,” he said. “My brother is an assistant coach for the Dons and my nephew (Francisco Becerra) wrestled at 145 pounds for the Dons tonight. (Santa Barbara) coach Pearson wrestled for me and was a two-time CIF placer for me in the late 80s, when I coached the Dons and assistant coach Barreto was also a former wrestler of mine. It just keeps it fun and competitive.”
Results:
106 Alexis Mendez(SB) win by Forfeit
113 Nico Salamanca(SB) win by Forfeit
120 Adan Alvaro(SM) def Gabe Morello by Fall
126 Carlos Barrera(SM) def Isaac Speer by Fall
132 Adam Manchester(SM) def Daniel Panchi by Fall
138 Joe Alvaro(SM) def Patrick Borrayo by Fall
145 Adan Montiel(SM) def Francisco Becerra by Fall
152 Hector Pule(SB) def Ashkan Allen 9-3
160 Jesus Corona(SB) def Richie Saldana by Fall
170 Miguel Cruz (SB) def Anthony Myers by Fall
195 Thomas Dominguez (SB) def Canaan Cates 5-4
220 Augusto Cisneros (SB) win by Forfeit
285 Diego Tapia(SB) win by Forfeit
