SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION III WRESTLING : Ambriz Wins Heavyweight Duel

In what turned out to be an All-Orange County heavyweight championship match, the county’s two top heavyweights squared off at the Southern Section Division III wrestling finals.

Saddleback’s Jim Ambriz, who was second-seeded but ranked first in the county, handily advanced through his matches at the two-day meet.

Also breezing through his matches was Laguna Hills’ Mark Zolikoff, who returned last week after a month layoff because of an injury he suffered at the Five Counties meet in January.

As the two advanced, it became apparent they would meet in the last match of the evening.

Even though Ambriz and Zolikoff had met twice, with Ambriz winning both times, the two had not wrestled this season.

For Ambriz, this was the match he had been hoping for, the one that would once and for all settle who is No. 1 in the county.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Ambriz, before the final matches. “I feel good and this is how it is supposed to be.”

From the outset, Ambriz took control, taking Zolikoff to the mat for two points. From there, Ambriz rode Zolikoff, trying to flip him over for the pin.

Though Zolikoff tried to gain control during the match, Ambriz was too strong for him and won the match, 3-0.

While Zolikoff took second, Laguna Hills had the best overall showing among county teams, taking second in the team competition with 102 points. Atascadero was first with 142.

For the Hawks, Casey Elliott defeated Arcadia’s Marc Apodaca, 4-1, at 154 pounds.

In the 142-pound match, Jeff Greco faltered, losing to a tough Ryan Holgate of Yucaipa, 10-3.

With three finalists, the Hawks placed more wrestlers in the finals than any of the other 74 teams participating.

Santa Ana’s Sadie Morales advanced at 121 pounds, but lost to Ontario Chaffey’s Paco Nunez, 9-5.

Other county wrestlers who placed included Buena Park’s Joe Reilly, at 132 pounds, who took third, and Matt Gordon (142) of Ocean View, who also took third.

The top four finishers in each weight class advance to the Masters, which starts Saturday at Fountain Valley High. From there, the top eight advance to the State finals.