Santa Ana’s Serratos Defends Title

It was only noon on the final day of the Southern Section Division III wrestling championships, and Santa Ana Coach Scott Glabb had already lost most of his voice.

“It’s those underdog matches or the matches that are supposed to be easy, that’s when I start screaming,” Glabb said Saturday at University High. “And after a while, the voice goes.”

There was no way Santa Ana was to repeat as section champions Saturday. By the end of the semifinals, Corona Centennial had an insurmountable lead and went on to win with 170.5 points.

It was a heated battle for second place between Santa Ana and Chino Ayala, and Glabb knew if the Saints were to have a chance, they would need at least four victories in the consolation and final rounds.

Glabb’s team came through, as Fernando Serratos (112 pounds), Jose Morales (130), Tony Perez (103) and Rudy Rosell (140) won to give Santa Ana enough points to edge Ayala, 125.5-112.

Serratos’ 21-6 victory over Ayala’s Mike Muniz was his second consecutive individual division title, making him the only wrestler at Santa Ana to have accomplished the feat.

“I was really focused on this match,” Serratos said. “And with this record, I leave something that will last forever at Santa Ana High.” Serratos was named the meet’s top wrestler in the lower weights.

Glabb, who barely had a voice left, was very pleased with his team’s effort.

“We had five who qualified for Masters,” Glabb said. “That’s the same as last year. My guys did a great job.”

The top five finishers in each weight class advance to the Masters Meet next weekend at Fountain Valley High. The contest is the qualifying meet for the state finals, March 6-8, in Stockton.

Troy had the best finish in school history Saturday, taking ninth place with 64 points and qualifying four to the Masters. Tai Nguyen (103), Johnny Manzari (119) and Jessie Carrasco each finished fourth and Mike Lee (145) was fifth.

Tustin’s Frank Frappier placed third at 189 pounds, and Frank Herbon of Aliso Niguel was fourth at 215.