Castaneda’s Early State Meet Victories Semisweet

James Castaneda of Alemany High, one of 23 area wrestlers entered in the State championships, was the sole survivor in contention for a title after recording three victories Friday at University of the Pacific’s Spanos Center.

Castaneda, a three-time Southern Section Division IV champion, will meet Michael Kawamura of Rosemead in today’s semifinals. If he wins, Castaneda (60-13), who placed fifth at the State meet as a sophomore and fourth last season, will wrestle for the 119-pound championship tonight at 7.

“I came up here to win the state championship,” Castaneda said. “If I don’t take first, it will be a disappointment. Today was just a warm-up.”

Castaneda won his first match without breaking a sweat when Raul Lopez of Orland forfeited because of an ankle injury. He followed by defeating Roland Von Schoech of Florin, 10-8, and Sadie Morales of Santa Ana, 13-4.

Jose Barahona of Canoga Park (135) and Jesse Bautista of Rio Mesa (125) won their first two matches before losing in the quarterfinals.

Barahona (42-2), a three-time City Section champion, pinned Luis Pinedo of Coachella Valley in 5 minutes 8 seconds, then upset Central Section champion Jeremy Pierro of Buchanan, 11-8. Barahona was defeated by Channel League champion Ati Conner of Dos Pueblos, 17-5.

“I feel much better than before,” said Barahona, who won only one bout in two previous state meet appearances. “The wins gave me confidence.”

Bautista (43-11), a sophomore who placed second at the Southern Section Masters meet, was defeated, 8-4, in the quarterfinals by sophomore Dane Bettencourt of Del Oro. Earlier, Bautista pinned Chris McAllister of San Francisco McAteer at 2:38 and defeated Tyrone Figueroa of Mt. Carmel, 13-10.

Barahona and Bautista remain in contention for third place.

Six others remain in consolation brackets--Bob Adair of Westlake (140), Gabe Roman of Oxnard (145), Devin Benjamin of Littlerock (145), Tom Nelford of Rio Mesa (152), Kevin Wright of Highland (171) and Josh Legere of Westlake (171).