Calvary Chapel Wins Its Sixth State Title

Santa Ana Calvary Chapel didn’t crown an individual champion, but won its sixth state title Saturday in front of 7,430 at the University of the Pacific.

The Eagles tied Clovis High for the most team titles in state wrestling and set a record with 143.5 points. Their ’97 team had the previous mark, 136.5 points. Clovis was second Saturday with 114.5 points.

Three Calvary Chapel wrestlers lost in the finals. The Eagles also had a third-place finisher and three fourth-place finishers.

“It would have been nice to get a couple of championships, but it’s still great to win like this,” Eagle Coach John Azevedo said.

The Eagles’ Steve Esparza lost to defending champion Michael Simpson of Brethren Christian, 3-0, in the 125-pound title match.

In the 135-pound final, Calvary Chapel’s Adam Benitez gave up a late takedown and was defeated by defending titlist Alex Tirapelle of Clovis, 7-5.

Calvary Chapel’s Adam Bones was pinned by Chris Pendleton of Lemoore in the 145-pound title match.

Loara’s Orlando Galvan won his first title at 103 pounds, pinning Sal Gonzalez of Merced in 1:38. At 112, Darrell Vasquez of Bakersfield scored a 6-2 win over Andrew Onsurez of East Bakersfield. Jacob Palomino of San Jose Independence won at 119, defeating Andy Kim of Poway, 5-2.

Garrett Spooner of Clovis won at 130 with an 8-4 victory over Ricky Garcia of Santa Fe Springs. Greg Smith won at 152 with an 11-6 decision over Sean Sheets of Bakersfield Centennial.

Poway’s Brody Barrios won at 160 against Kenneth Cook of Fremont American, 11-5, and Chris Lopez beat Jesse Juarez of North Torrance, 9-5, at 171. Beau McCoy of Vacaville won at 189, beating Mike VanWorth of Dos Palos, 7-2. At 215, Marcio Botello beat Clint Walbeck of Clovis, 7-2. At heavyweight, Taylor Schmidt of Escondido beat Dan Howe of Castro Valley, 5-3.