Ventura Tightens Its Hold

Ventura High tightened its grip on the top spot in the region’s wrestling rankings by The Times, defeating El Camino Real, 47-18, in a nonleague dual meet Tuesday night.

The Cougars (12-4) won nine of 14 weight classes and avenged last season’s loss to the No. 5 Conquistadores (16-3).

“This is one I wish had come a long time ago,” Ventura Coach Mike Colin said.

“Last year, they brought it to us and we couldn’t take the heat.”

After falling behind, 6-3, Ventura took control, winning four consecutive bouts, including pins by Jesse Ramos (125 pounds) and Peter Valadez (135).

Ramos, who had not wrestled in more than a month after sustaining a concussion in the season’s first tournament, pinned Adam Foxman in 3:52 to give Ventura the lead for good, 9-6.

Andy Webber (130) followed with a 15-0 decision over Andrew Tan. The match was stopped midway through the third period on the 15-point mercy rule.

The Cougars wrapped up the victory officially when Justin Rivera pinned Anthony Arcuria in 2:30 of the 160-pound match.

Rivera’s victory gave Ventura an insurmountable 38-12 lead with four bouts remaining.

“[Ramos] is just getting to the point where he can practice hard again,” Colin said. “We are finally getting the lineup that we wanted out there. Our best wrestling is not behind us--or at least it better not be.”

El Camino Real, defending City Section champion, had some highlights, including Andreik De Leon’s decision over highly regarded Bobby Taylor in the 171-pound weight class.

De Leon capitalized on an unsportsmanlike conduct foul against Taylor in the closing seconds of the final period to pull out a 4-3 victory.

Taylor, apparently not realizing the official had stopped the match out of bounds, rushed after De Leon to provide the winning point.

Last season, Taylor pinned De Leon in 1:36.

“Last year it was a headlock that got me,” De Leon said. “I knew I had to be careful, and I haven’t been in a headlock since last year.”

The Conquistadores also got victories from Jeff Ford (145) and Aaron Kaufman (119).

Ford, a transfer from Granada Hills, pinned Jimmy Renshaw in 5:32, and Kaufman took a 4-3 decision from Chris Webber.