Following CIF Duals, Scorpion wrestlers back in action this weekend
ACHS knocked out by La Quienta in opening round
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers IN THE HUNT- Camarillo wrestler Nick Robles, top, takes down Chaminade's Cameron Alamdari during a practice session Monday afternoon at Thousand Oaks High. The CIF Individual meet takes place today and tomorrow at Pacifica High.

Last weekend the wrestling team at Camarillo High finished its season by competing in the CIF Duals Meet.

Although the Scorpions kept the match close with first-round opponent La Quienta for most of the day, ACHS eventually lost by a score of 41-23.

"We were only down 27-23 with three matches left but couldn't quite hold on," Camarillo head coach Ron Wilson said.

"We were always close, but never really in control. We never had the lead, and in the end it was just a couple of kids making some mistakes with their moves that cost us."

Camarillo's 13 wrestlers who competed were Nick Robles, Mark Robles, Jared Driver, Steve Berman, Scott Menzie, Matt Vege, Anthony Fontana, Adam Ortega, Michael Lutete, Curtis Chavez, Matt Ameahault, Brandon Smith and Huy Huynh.

Although the Scorpions finished 3-2 in the Pacific View League this year, many wished they had gone further in the playoffs.

"I don't think the team went into the meet last week with the greatest attitude," Fontana said.

"We had a lot of wrestlers quit on us, and we had to replace them with some lessexperienced JV wrestlers. It's too bad because this was a real hardworking team during the year. We had a lot of dedication and spent a lot of time to get here, only to have this happen."

Although Fontana said having the entire team for the Duals would have helped, he was quick to point out that the JV players did well.

"The people who stepped in did a good job," Fontana said. "Michael Lutete was a JV wrestler and almost won his match.

While Camarillo's season is over as a team, many of their wrestlers will still compete this weekend in the CIF Individuals at Pacifica High. One grappler who's looking forward to the individual meet is Verge, a senior captain.

"I had a cut above my left eye last year, so I couldn't wrestle in the Individuals," said Verge. "This year I'm healthy and very excited to get another chance to compete in them. I can't wait."

Although his year is not over yet, Verge said he looks back on the Scorpion team from this past season and remembers many good times.

"We were more of a team this year than the other years I was on varsity," Verge said. "We not only hung out on the mat, but off it as well."