Sudden Weight Loss for Eagles: 140 Pounds

With the expulsion of Tony Aparicio from Calvary Chapel, the Eagles enter the Southern Section Division I finals without their usual 140-pound wrestler.

Granted, Calvary Chapel did just fine Saturday in the Division I dual meet championships, defeating Brawley Union, 50-15, in the final. In that event, the Eagles were allowed to use a substitute wrestler at that weight class.

Because Calvary Chapel did not field a 140-pounder in the league finals, it must forfeit that weight class in the tournament competition, which begins Friday with the Southern Section individual finals, and concludes with the state finals.

Aparicio, who transferred from Loara last fall, was ranked first in the county and second in the state at 140. He won titles at the Reno Invitational and the prestigious Five Counties tournament. He was thought to have a good shot for a state title.

But last Wednesday--the day of the Olympic League finals, the Eagles’ qualifying meet for Southern Section individuals--Aparicio was expelled from school for disciplinary reasons.

Aparicio was expected to garner crucial points for the Eagles in their run for a sixth state title.

Calvary Chapel Coach John Azevedo said he is disappointed and saddened about last week’s events. Nevertheless, he hasn’t lost hope.

“We had a strong team before Tony decided to transfer,” Azevedo said. “He was like the icing on the cake. He gave us that extra push. But we’re still a strong team, and I think we have a good shot at state.”

Despite Calvary’s dilemma, not too many coaches are shedding tears for the Eagles.

“They’ll miss Tony, but they’re so strong, I think they still have a good shot at winning state,” Santa Ana Coach Scott Glabb said.

BROTHER ACTS

Although Loara was unable to defend its Division III dual meet title against Corona Centennial in the finals Saturday, the Saxons did come away with five champions in that meet, including four brothers.

Orlando Galvan, a runner-up at Five Counties last month, won at 103 pounds, and brother Josh won by fall at 112 pounds. Jeremy Ellis won at 180 and brother Joe won at 215. David Magana (119) was the fifth champion for the Saxons.

MELENDEZ TO COMPETE

Gilbert Melendez, one of Santa Ana’s top wrestlers, missed the Division II duals Saturday because of an elbow injury he suffered at the Golden West League finals Wednesday.

“The doctor said he should take it easy but should be ready for individuals,” Santa Ana Coach Scott Glabb said of Melendez, ranked third in the county at 125 pounds.

Santa Ana lost in the Division II finals to Covina Northview, 40-21.

“We’ll need some time to recover, but we’re not alone. Everybody got banged up,” Glabb said. “But ready or not, we’ll have to go out there and bite the bullet and do the best we can.”

SECTION FINALS BEGIN

The Southern Section division finals begin Friday and conclude Saturday.

The Division I meet will be at Santa Ana College and Division II at Moreno Valley Canyon Springs High. The top six wrestlers from each weight class in each division advance to the Masters Feb. 26.

The Division III meet will be held at North Torrance, with the top five advancing. Rancho Cucamonga hosts the Division IV meet and Azusa will be the Division V site. The top three advance from these two divisions.

All tournaments begin at 3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.

If you have an item or idea for the wrestling report, you can fax us at (714) 966-5663 or e-mail us at erik.hamilton@latimes.com