WRESTLING ROUNDUP : Irvine Will Compete at Section Meet

Irvine won the right to represent the Sea View League in the Southern Section dual-meet championships by beating Santa Margarita, 64-0, Thursday at Irvine.

Irvine, ranked fifth in Orange County, and University were tied with 5-0-1 records. The teams had tied in a dual match, so the championship came down to team points.

Irvine started the night five points ahead of University, but left no doubt with the 64-point victory. University beat Corona del Mar, 38-18, also Thursday.

Irvine had five pins in the match, including one in 27 seconds by Steve Ruiz at 160 pounds.

“There was definite pressure on both sides to do well,” Irvine Coach John Phillips said.

In Empire League wrestling:

El Dorado 43, Loara 23--El Dorado (12-0, 4-0), ranked sixth in Orange County, clinched at least a tie for the Empire League title with the victory.

The Golden Hawks got off to a quick start when brothers Rod and Rich Harvey won the first two matches. Rod Harvey (103 pounds) won a 13-4 decision over Anthony Pham and Rich Harvey (112) pinned Marty Fellbaum.

Damon Baughn (135 pounds), recovering from the flu, pinned his opponent in 1:01. Toby Williams (189) won a 14-9 decision to help seal the victory.

El Dorado’s final match is Tuesday against Katella. Loara is 2-2 in league.

Los Alamitos 43, Katella 22--Behind in points, Parker Mitchell of Los Alamitos pinned Bruno Martinez with one second remaining in the 125-pound match. Senior Clay Kemp (160 pounds) pinned Adam Calvert of Katella in 37 seconds. Los Alamitos (5-1, 3-1) is second in the league.

The Griffins’ only loss was to first-place El Dorado.

If the Griffins beat Esperanza Tuesday, it will be their first trip to the Southern Section tournament. Katella is 20-7-2, 1-3.