Canyon Tries to Extend League Wrestling Reign

Canyon High School’s wrestling team, undefeated in league dual meets since 1981, seeks its 10th consecutive Century League championship in the finals at 3 p.m. Friday at Canyon.

“You remember the Lakers’ three-peat? We’ll be looking for our 10-peat,” said Coach Gary Bowden. Canyon wrestling teams are 117-5 since 1980.

Canyon, ranked No. 1 in the county, won the Century League dual meet title last Tuesday when it defeated El Modena, 40-14. El Modena can still clinch a tie for the championship if it outscores Canyon and the other Century League competitors.

El Modena Coach Alan Clinton said that against Canyon, his wrestlers “didn’t get pins when we should have and they beat us on some close matches.”

Canyon’s Jason Mitchell (138 pounds), who pinned El Modena’s Danny Santana in 2 minutes 30 seconds Tuesday, said believes the Comanches will have no problem defending their its title because “we’re a better tournament team and we won the tough part (beating El Modena for the dual meet title).”

Canyon was 5-0 in league dual meets (13-0 overall). El Modena finished its dual meet season with a 4-1 record (7-1 overall).