State Wrestling Championship Barely Eludes Westlake’s Hunter

Bill Hunter of Westlake High fell short of winning a state wrestling championship Saturday at University of the Pacific.

Tantalizingly short.

Hunter lost to Anaheim Katella’s Joe Pastorello, 1-0, in the 175-pound final. Pastorello performed an escape for a point early in the second period and managed to make it stand up.

It was the third meeting between Pastorello and Hunter this season. Pastorello prevailed in each instance, winning in the Southern Southern 4-A Division final, 8-2, and in the Masters final, 5-2.

“He learned some new tricks,” Pastorello said of Hunter. “He’s really improved.”

For Hunter, it was a bittersweet tournament. He admitted being surprised when he defeated top-ranked ranked Al Martell of Mount Carmel, 6-2, in the quarterfinals.

Hunter then had a relatively easy time in the semifinals, defeating Mountain View’s Chris Abrego, 11-4.

“I was really psyched to beat him,” Hunter said of Pastorello. “I know exactly what he does.

“I feel great about what I did here, taking second as a junior. But I would have liked to be a two-time state champion. I’ll just have to come back next year and win it.”

Rio Mesa senior Rob Cook had to default midway through his 132-pound semifinal match against Thomas Ronzano of Santa Cruz because of an injury to his left ankle.

“We fell back on my ankle and I heard a pop,” said Cook, who placed sixth. “I’m disappointed because I think I could have made the finals.”