HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS : Chapman on Track for Third State Title

Scott Chapman of Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World has won at the CIF State wrestling meet before, but he has never looked quite like he did at the University of the Pacific on Friday.

On Monday, Chapman began his preparation for a third consecutive State title by accidentally diving head first into a coach’s knee and opening a gash under his eye that required six stitches to close. Friday, he appeared on the mat wearing a foam rubber mask to protect the wound.

If anything, it made the 152-pound senior appear more intimidating than usual. And it certainly didn’t hinder his performance.

An 11-1 victory over Noel Grover of Porterville during the quarterfinals was his 91st in a row. He will face Eric Philp of Madera in the semifinals today. The finals are at 7 tonight.

“I just wrestle match to match,” said Chapman, the state’s top-ranked 152-pounder. “After a while you don’t really realize how many you’ve won in a row.”

Jose Enriquez of Norwalk Glenn, the only other defending State champion, defeated Benny Esquivel of Porterville, 12-10, to advance to the semifinals at 119 pounds. Enriquez won the 112-pound title last season.

No team from the Southern Section has won the State title since 1987. But after the quarterfinals, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel held a 40-37 lead over Clovis, the three-time defending champion.