Moorpark Hopes for a Break at State Finals

Two teams from Northern California and one from San Diego County are expected to do so well this weekend at the state community college wrestling championships that Moorpark Coach John Keever figures the most competitive battle will be for fourth place.

And if the Raiders are to place, “good things must happen,” Keever said.

The three heavies are Lassen and Diablo Valley from the North and Palomar from the South. Palomar is defending state champion, and had seven wrestlers qualify for the final by finishing first in the Southern regional last week. Lassen’s entire team will make the trip after scoring more points (122) than any other team in any of the regionals.

The state’s top 12 wrestlers--the top three from each of four regionals--in 10 weight classes will begin competition Friday at 7 p.m. at Bakersfield College.

Moorpark, which tied with Cypress and Rio Hondo for the Western State Conference championship, has qualified seven wrestlers. With 70 1/2 points, the Raiders finished second in the Southern Central regionals behind Cerritos, which had 79.

Moorpark’s top wrestler going into the finals is Ray Esparza, who competes in the 126-pound class. Esparza won both his matches in the regionals and has a 15-8 season record.

Moorpark freshman Keith Hernandez will enter the finals ranked No. 2 in the state in the 118-pound class. Hernandez was 2-1 at the regional and 25-3-1 this season.

Traditionally, Moorpark has been ranked in the state’s top 10, and does well at the state final. Since 1970, Moorpark has had 22 wrestlers named to All-America teams.

“We are just hopeful for a good tournament,” Keever said. “The team has prepared very well for it and we are looking forward to doing well. Actually, all seven guys have an excellent chance.”

Other Moorpark wrestlers and their classes: Paul Delgado (134, alternate); Steve Fuess (142); Kurt Mathey (158); Brian Bennett (167); Ross Boomhower (190); Ali Rahnavardi (heavyweight).

Two Pierce wrestlers, Dennis Rulli and Gary Dickerson, qualified for the state finals. Rulli will wrestle in the 126-pound class, and Dickerson will wrestle in the 177-pound class.