CLOSE-UP : Only Guys Tougher Than the El Camino Real Wrestlers Are the JVs

Coach Milton Goffman guided the El Camino Real wrestling team to a second straight Valley League title and a 10-0 overall record. Those figures are impressive, but success is nothing new to Goffman’s wrestling program. Since 1974, his varsity teams have not finished lower than second.

But the accomplishments of the varsity take a beating compared to those at the junior varsity. In Goffman’s 14 seasons, the El Camino Real JV teams have a stunning 110-1-1 record in dual meets and are 20-2 in tournaments.

“During a season, you can always count on some illness and injury,” and we’ve always been able to fill those spots with another capable wrestler,” Goffman said. “In our practices, we all work together and the JV kids get a taste of varsity in practice.”

Leading the varsity this season is senior Jason Walker, who is undefeated in 33 matches at 112 pounds. Walker was the City runner-up in the 105-pound division last season and he finished second at 98 pounds as a sophomore.

Senior co-captain Lou Hersh is 20-5 at the 119-pound level. Other notable performers include Joe Kang, a 165-pound senior with a 23-0 record; Tylyn Cook, a 145-pound junior (7-3); Mark Helman, a 175-pound junior (10-2); and Paul Hasson, a 191-pound junior (12-3).