Irvine Wrestler Ruiz Out for Season

Steve Ruiz, one of Irvine High’s top wrestlers, will be out the rest of the season because of an injury he suffered at the Estancia tournament Saturday, Irvine Coach John Phillips said Monday.

Ruiz, a senior who was 22-0 with 15 pins this season, was ranked second in the county at 171 pounds. Ruiz tore a ligament in his knee during his championship-match victory against Ricardo Camacho of Morro Bay.

“It’s a big loss for us,” Phillips said. “Steve went from a 2-15 record in his freshman year to placing fourth in the Southern Section Division III finals in his junior year. He was becoming a true student of the sport.”