STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS : Calvary Chapel Is an Unpopular Winner

Santa Ana Calvary Chapel flexed its way to a second consecutive state wrestling title Saturday night.

Calvary Chapel dominated the two-day meet to the point that the Eagles had the championship wrapped up before the final round began, and the sold-out crowd at the University of Pacific’s Spanos Center felt the little Christian school was getting greedy.

Calvary Chapel sent eight wrestlers to the state tournament and three to the finals, where they all won their weight classes. The Eagles finished with a state-record 120.5 points. Runner-up Moreno Valley Canyon Springs produced 81.5 points and two champions--brothers Norman Abs (103 pounds) and Stephen Abs (112).

Calvary Chapel had a hard time winning the fans’ hearts. After defending state champion Dane Valdez--the heavy favorite to add the 125-pound ribbon to last year’s 119--was upset in the morning semifinals, fans roared their approval.

It didn’t get nicer when brother Shane Valdez won the 119 title and was booed for his defensive stance.

Josh Holiday (145) and Ed Mosley (152) also won titles for Calvary Chapel.