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However, only Ayala was able to wrestle, due to the fact that a wrestler in his weight class did not show up.

Wrestling in the 140 pound weight class, Ayala came up short from being able to qualify for the State Championships. Ayala was ahead in one of his three matches against a wrestler from Clovis East. Ayala nearly pinned his opponent after having him in a cradle for nearly 40 seconds, however had to let go of the lock due to safety reasons, and ended up losing the match by points.

The other local schools, Porterville and Monache High School, have succeeded in advancing some of their wrestlers onto the State Championship tournament, which will be held on Friday and Saturday at Bakersfield’s RaboBank Arena.

Five wrestlers from Porterville will be competing in the State Championships tournament. The wrestlers are Mason Pengilly (103 pounds), Martin Sandoval (119), Shane Yacuta (135), Joseph Duran (140), and David Ali (215). Sandoval took seventh and went 3-2 at the Valley tournament.

Duran took eighth by going 2-2 at the tournament.

Ali came up short in the finals and took second in the tournament.

Pengilly and Yacuta each earned Valley titles by taking first in their weight class.

Porterville coach Tim Vanni believes each of his wrestlers has a chance to earn a state title.

Monache is sending one of their wrestlers to the State Championships tournament. Seth Hood (112) fought hard his first two matches but was not able to get the win in either of them. However, Hood was able to fight back and won his next two matches to take ninth place.

Although the Grizzly wrestlers were unsuccessful in qualifying for the State Championships tournament, they all wish each of the wrestlers who have qualified from our town good luck.