Familiar Foes Prevail Again in City Finals

Southern Section Masters Meet--Trevor Clocherty of Ventura, John Garfinkel of Highland, Royal’s Chris Rueckert and Hueneme’s Tiloi Tuitama qualified for the state meet Saturday by finishing in the top eight at the Southern Section Masters meet at Fountain Valley High.

Clocherty decisioned Leonel Sanchez of Northview, 7-5, in the 140-pound championship match. Clocherty’s title run included victories over three division champions in his final three matches.

“I just wanted to come in and wrestle to my ability,” Clocherty said. “I had a real good week of practice and I was ready.”

Garfinkel, who lost a controversial 5-3 overtime decision in the second round, won five consecutive matches in the consolation bracket to place third at 160.

Garfinkel defeated Nathon Knutson, 8-0, to avenge his only pin in four years of wrestling. He increased his state record for pins to 134 while improving to 63-4 this year. He has 227 career wins.

Rueckert placed fourth at 152 after dropping a 6-2 decision to Andy Tufnell of Calvary Chapel.

Tuitama received a default in his final match and finished fifth at 171.