Gonzalez, Martinez Establish Footholds

Cristobal Gonzalez and Joe Martinez of Ventura High muscled their way toward state titles Friday in the opening rounds of the state finals at University of the Pacific.

Gonzalez and Martinez, seniors at 189 and 215 pounds, each recorded three consecutive victories to advance to today’s semifinals.

They were the only entries among 25 area wrestlers to remain undefeated at the Spanos Center.

Seniors Dustin Clocherty of Ventura, at 135 pounds, and heavyweight Chad Troxler of Simi Valley were defeated in quarterfinal matches.

Gonzalez (54-3), who placed third in the state last season, recorded victories by decision over Rodney Bowerman of Lemoore and Erik Gladish of Marin Catholic before pinning Central Coast Section champion Robert Thomas of Palo Alto in 3:13.

Gonzalez will face Central Section champion Josh Naus of Bakersfield Centennial today at 10 a.m.

“This is state,” Gonzalez said. “Doesn’t really matter if you’re good or not. What matters is who wants it more.”

Martinez (39-7), who failed to finish among the top eight in last season’s state meet, demonstrated as much while recording victories over Luke Walker of Arcata, Travis Wojcik of Fallbrook and Richard Mendonca of Tokay.

Martinez, plagued by a back injury throughout the season, took several timeouts during the competition to recover.

“It’s a little sore, but I’m going to suck it up,” Martinez said.

Martinez will face Josh Saul of Santa Ana Calvary Chapel today.

Troxler (52-6), competing in arguably the most difficult of 14 weight divisions, won two matches before losing in overtime to Nick Kindred of Turlock, who executed an escape to snap a 1-1 tie.

Troxler, third in the state last season, beat Julius Askew of San Fernando, 8-3, and Fred Aquitania of W.C. Wood, 5-4, in overtime.

Clocherty (49-3), Southern Section Masters champion, was upset by junior James Medeiros of Fremont American, 7-6.

Clocherty and Troxler are among eight area wrestlers in contention for third place.

“Dustin started thinking too much about winning a state title,” Ventura Coach Paul Clementi said. “People don’t realize this tournament is so doggone tough that if you start thinking ahead, that’s the way not to make it to the finals.”

Keith Thomas (152) and Alex Perez (215) of El Camino Real remained in contention with consolation victories.

Thomas, his right knee bandaged and in a brace, beat Jerry Chrisco of Hughson, 9-5, but defaulted to Kirk Moore of Bakersfield Foothill in the second round. He rebounded with a 3-2 victory over Omar Diaz of San Diego Montgomery.

“Oh, it hurts so bad, but I love it,” Thomas said. “I wasn’t going to wrestle at first. But this is what I’ve worked for.”

Perez, pinned by Mendonca at 1:02 in a first-round match, pinned Brent Vickers of Arroyo Grande in 1:28 and beat Walker, 10-6.

Dylan Hull of Agoura (189) and Franky Valdez of Chatsworth (189) also are in contention for third place.