For Now, Both Sports Fill His Day : High school: Savanna’s Tony Okada excels in wrestling and judo. But in the near future, he may have to focus on only one.

Tony Okada is facing a big decision in the not-too-distant future. And whatever he decides, it seems he can’t go wrong.

Okada is a high school All-American in wrestling, a defending state champion in the 135-pound weight class.

He also is the top high school-age judo competitor in the country, a seasoned veteran of national and international tournaments.

A senior at Savanna High School, he’s hoping to repeat as a state wrestling titlist in March. Wrestling scholarship offers are pouring into the Okada household from near and far.

But this weekend, Okada competes in the World Judo Trials at the U.S. Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, Colo. If he finishes in the top five of the 60-kilo (132-pound) class, he’ll represent the United States in international competition. He’ll probably be the youngest member of the team.

Last weekend, Okada was named most valuable wrestler of the prestigious Five Counties Invitational at Fountain Valley High School. Moving up in weight class, he pinned Jason Mitchell of Canyon to win the 141-pound division. Mitchell is the Southern Section’s top-ranked 140-pound wrestler; Okada is No. 1 at 135 pounds.

Okada, 18, goes to judo workouts four times a week and attends Savanna’s wrestling practice up to six times a week.

He wants to win a second consecutive state wrestling title and earn a college scholarship. But he also wants to win a place on the U.S. Olympic judo team in 1992.

The question is how to attain both goals. A decision on which one to devote his attention is inevitable.

But not on a recent Sunday. No, Okada decided to go to Disneyland. But not before a quick workout on a stationary bike at home.

“He deserves a day at Disneyland,” said his mother, Carol. “If there’s a lot left behind, it’s his social life. There just isn’t enough time for everything. But he got to go to Disneyland today.”

Carol’s brother, George Espinoza, got Tony started wrestling at age 5. It wasn’t long after that that Tony’s father, Ted, a judo instructor, started him in judo.

Judo was Okada’s first love, but in recent years wrestling has become nearly as important.

Initially, he started wrestling to help his judo, but he became so good at it that it was difficult not to get caught up in the sport.

“You could see a change in his sophomore year,” Okada’s mother said.

He was selected to The Times’ All-County team for the first time, having won the Southern Section 3-A and Masters Meet titles.

Last season as a junior, he was unbeaten in winning the state meet title. This season, he’s been top-ranked at 135 pounds.

“I’ve never had anyone as good as he has been from year to year,” Savanna wrestling Coach Tom Caspari said.

Okada’s experience and solid technique usually are enough to overpower opponents.

“He’s so at ease at a state tournament,” his father said. “The other kids are so nervous. Tony’s nervous, too. But Tony’s been in international tournaments for judo and the others haven’t. There’s a big difference.”

Ted Okada started his son in judo at an early age, just as his father started him when he was young.

At some point, perhaps as soon as this weekend, the family will make some decisions about Tony’s future.

If he makes the U.S. team, he likely will delay college for a year to train for the Olympics. He also would travel with the team to international tournaments and participate in intensive training in Japan.

Another option is that Okada could accept a wrestling scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he could compete and continue his judo training with a family friend who lives in Norman, Okla.

“We’re not exactly sure what we’re going to do next,” Okada’s father said. “He says his first goal is to go to the ’92 Olympics for judo. But he also wants a scholarship for wrestling.”

Regardless of his impending decision--judo or wrestling or both--Okada’s future looks bright.