Sonoma wrestlers wrangle winter schedule

Sonoma Valley grapplers are getting their moves and holds down for the big season ahead.|

The Sonoma Valley High School wrestling team started its competitive season last weekend with a scrimmage against the Montgomery High School Vikings in a non-league dual meet.

The Dragons were without the early-season services of senior Hank Schoeningh and junior Lawson Lee, both ranked in the NCS. Nonetheless they came away with a 45-21 victory.

“Even without Hank and Lawson, we are blessed with depth,” said coach Nico Saldana. “In the upper weights, we are carrying two to five guys in each weight class. Unfortunately, it’s not the same in the lower- weights,” he continued, pointing out that in the 108-, 113-, 120- and 126-pound rounds Sonoma Valley was not able to put a competitor in the ring.

But Montgomery had similar issues, and ended giving up seven forfeits to Sonoma Valley’s two.

The dual started at the 120-pound weight class. After Sonoma gave up 12 points in forfeits, senior Ean Schiffman put Sonoma on the board with a pin the first minute of the first period. Freshman Antonio Casillas picked up a forfeit at 138 to tie the dual meet at 12 points apiece.

Sophomore Justin Borgnis met Montgomery’s Lincoln Austin at 145. He wrestled well before being pinned in the second period. Senior Zander Casillas (152), brother of Antonio, won by decision over Montgomery’s David Monk.

Seeing his first varsity action, junior Jake McVeigh (160) saw his first-period lead dwindle in the third, eventually losing to Trenton Shank. Francisco Morales and Tulley Meyer earned forfeit wins. Sophomore Jack Alcayga made short work of his opponent, Javion Hernandez, pinning him in 10 seconds. Chase McNeilly and Octavio Martinez picked up forfeits.

Saturday, Dec. 14, the varsity squad travels to San Marin High School in Novato to compete in the first varsity tournament of the year.

The first Vine Valley (VVAL) dual will find Vintage coming to Sonoma on Thursday, Dec. 19; meet begins at 6 p.m. in Golton Hall.

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.