Bryan Is Looking Past City to State

Arthur Bryan of Monroe High will most likely win the 215-pound title during Saturday’s City Section Championships at University High.

The primary concern is Bryan’s preparation for the State Championships in Stockton next week.

Each weight-class champion on Saturday advances. Preliminary bouts begin at 10 a.m. with the championship matches scheduled for 6 p.m.

Bryan, 40-1 with 33 pins this season, has been relatively untested by City competition and has barely worked up a sweat since the conclusion of Monroe’s tournament schedule three weeks ago.

A month ago in a dual meet, heavyweight Ken Enriquez of San Fernando gave Bryan a rare match that went the distance.

Bryan, who gave up 60 pounds, won a 2-0 decision.

That same week, Bryan defeated John Cordero of Mira Costa in overtime to win the San Fernando tournament.

Since then, Bryan has gone unchallenged.

“That’s why we went to the tournaments that we did,” Coach Tom Jones of Monroe said. “Our direction and focus was to make sure that we got Arthur some exposure.”

Bryan proved last year that he could compete at the state level, winning his first two matches in Stockton.

Jones has tried to ensure Bryan is ready this year. He weighed less than 200 pounds last season but diligent work in the weight room has given Bryan added strength and size.

Assistant coaches Chris Spann, Paul Brumana and Derrick Jacob of Monroe work with Bryan daily in an effort to keep the senior sharp.

“Arthur has gotten pretty big so it’s gotten pretty tough on us coaches,” Jones said. “I can’t wrestle him anymore.

“My mind is willing but my body isn’t.”

Some coaches believe Bryan has a chance to place. Only five City Section wrestlers have ever placed in the State tournament.

“He can be one of those kids who comes out of nowhere,” Coach Terry Fischer of El Camino Real said. “Arthur Bryan is really tough. If he puts it all together . . . Arthur Bryan is good enough to place in state.”

El Camino Real will try for its fourth consecutive team title on Saturday. The Conquistadores have won nine of the last 14.

San Fernando, second three consecutive years, has not won a City team title since 1991 but this appears to be the year for the Tigers.

“I think we have a shot,” Coach Mike Castillo of San Fernando said. “It just depends on how it goes. There are just too many variables to say we have it locked.”

San Fernando is led by sophomores Willy German (160 pounds), Ramon Perry (135) and Conrad Silva (145) and junior Joseph Michel (112).

Each is favored to win his weight class.

German won the City 145-pound title last year.