The men’s and women’s wrestling teams from Grays Harbor College both finished in the top three at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association’s National Championships this past weekend in Allen Texas.
The women’s team took third overall with two national champions and Chokers grapplers finished in first, second and third at the women’s 235-pound classification.
“You hate to see teammates wrestle each other in a tournament but at the same time it is a great problem to have,” coach Kevin Pine said.
In the championship, No. 1 seed Sila Fotu faced teammate Quinn Lacy. Fotu won by fall 2 minutes, 16 seconds into the match.
Fotu dominated most of her matches. The first two opponents she faced lasted a combined 44 seconds. Fotu pinned Reggan Grade of Big Bend Community College in 34 seconds, then pinned Sarah DeLair of Santa Rosa Junior College in just 10 seconds.
“That wrestler had no idea what she was in for when she stepped on the mat with Sila,” coach Phillip Pine said.
Jackie Castro finished third at 235.
Kamila Montenegro claimed the national title at 191 pounds.
“Montenegro keeps it simple, nothing flashy, just just goes out and gets the job done like she has been doing all season,” coach Kevin Pine said.
In the finals, she faced Kyndra Wooten of Liberty University. Montenegro was in control for much of the match, making moves to force her opponent into delaying penalties.
Entering the second round, Wooten chose to start in the bottom position, and Montenegro was able to capitalize earning a fall :21 seconds into the second round.
Cecillia Saavedra was able to reach the finals in the 101 pound class to Kayla Rogers from Big Bend Community College in the second overtime.
Other placers for the women’s team were Emma Justo in third at 155, Cynthia Diaz in third at 109
The men’s team had their strongest finish in the five years since Phillip Pine and Grays Harbor College revived the program. Previously the team had finished in 20th, 10th, 8th, 7th and now the team finished in second place behind high powered, three time National Champions Liberty University.
The Chokers had two finalists: Octavio Alejandre at 235 pounds and Mervyn Penniston-John.
Penniston-John came into nationals as the No. 4 seed and began his march to the finals with a quick 16 second pin. He then pinned his next two opponents before facing No. 1 seed Mitchell Bischoff, University of Akron.
Penniston-John was up 4-1 before Bischoff injury defaulted.
“(Penniston-John) did a great job of controlling the tempo of the match.” assistant coach Joel Veloni said.
In the finals, Penniston-John went up against No. 2 seed Frederick Weaver of Liberty University.
“This had to be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament,” Phillip Pine said. “It was a back and forth match with lots of scrambling, which is amazing for 285 pound wrestlers.”
Late in the third round, Penniston-John was down 4-3 and went on a flurry of attacks against his opponent. He hit an outside sweep single and secured a takedown and a four point near-fall with just seconds left in the match as the crowed roared with enthusiasm.
“That was the best way to win a national championship,” coach Chris Boeger said.
Alejandre, the No. 2 seed, marched his way to finals with five straight victories, three of those coming by way of a fall, a major decision and a tough 2-1 decision in his quarter final match.
In the final, he met No. 1 seed Jeffrey Allen of Liberty University. Alejandre came up short in a hard fought match and and lost by decision 8-3.
“Octavio gave everything he had in that match, very proud of his effort” coach Phillip Pine said.
Other men’s placers were Desmond Bowers in third at 165, Diego Nunez in third at 133, Sione Halo in fourth at 184 and Andy Gonzales in seventh at 174
Special recognition was given to Andy Gonzales and Noah Winder for being Academic All-Americans.
Men’s team scores:
1. Liberty – 228
2. Grays Harbor – 146
3. Springfield Tech – 137
4. Apprentice – 104
5. East Carolina – 96
6. Central Florida – 92.5
7. Schreiner – 76.5
8. UNLV – 72
9. Penn State WC – 71.5
10. The Ohio State WC – 71
Women’s team scores:
1. Schneider – 170.5
2. Umpqua CC – 119.5
3. Grays Harbor – 105.5
4. Liberty – 77.5
5. Big Bend CC – 50
6. PLU – 37.5
7. UCLA – 31
8. Texas A & M – 27.5
9. RPI – 22
9. Springfield Tech – 22
