Lemus, Speakman Lose in Consolation Quarterfinals

Three years ago, El Camino Real High’s Edward Lemus was a struggling, overweight 14-year-old, giving it his all just to make the freshman football team.

He wasn’t thinking much about wrestling at the time.

A lot has changed since his freshman year.

After trying out for wrestling later that year, Lemus began a career that would lead to two City Section titles and state appearances at University of the Pacific in Stockton.

On Saturday, the 119-pounder fought his way to the consolation quarterfinals, where he lost and settled for 13th place.

Lemus lost a 10-3 decision to Jose Velasquez of Arroyo Grande.

Rio Mesa’s Scott Speakman, also a senior, finished 13th in the 140-pound division.

Speakman was eliminated after dropping a 6-4 decision to Bryan Lamay of Capistrano Valley.

Monroe’s Arthur Bryan, a 215-pounder, was eliminated early Saturday with a 9-8 loss to Ryan Griffin of Hemet.

Griffin, the third-place finisher a week ago at the Southern Section Masters meet, handed Bryan both of his losses in the tournament. Griffin won a 9-8 decision over Bryan in the first round on Friday.

Bryan, the two-time City Section champion, finished 45-3 and had not lost since December.

Lemus, who finished the season at 42-4 (2-2 in the state tournament), said he was pleased with his finish and that he had accomplished one of his goals of making it to the second day of competition, something he did not attain last year at the state tournament.

“It was a great weekend,” he said. “I thought I was going to be able to place, but the competition kept getting stronger. I felt OK but everything just collapsed in the first match [Saturday].”

El Camino Real Coach Terry Fischer said Lemus showed what hard work can do.

“He’s one of the best we’ve got,” he said. “He’s placed or won every tournament we’ve been to. You’ve got great kids here from all over the state. You’d have to have a great day [to win].

“Edward is a great success story--a very hard worker.”

Speakman, who was on his way home shortly after his disappointing elimination, fell short of his goals.

Rio Mesa Coach Todd Stoke said Speakman, who finished the season 52-9, isn’t much for hanging around after being eliminated--even if it is a state tournament.

“He loves to compete, but he’s not big on sitting around,” Stoke said. “He did a good job here. The kid he lost to, he had beaten last week. It was a very competitive match.”

Speakman’s victory total moved him into second for single-season victories at Rio Mesa.