Trials await Costa Mesa

Barry Faulkner

Still embracing the novelty of his first coaching experience, Costa

Mesa High wrestling coach Lee Romo is undeterred by the challenges

that face his program this season.

And his ability to do the job may take nothing less.

“We have seven or eight dual matches and we’re not going to win

any one of them,” said Romo, a walk-on who steps in to guide a

program that made the CIF Southern Section team playoffs last season,

but is starting virtually anew this year. “But, hopefully, the kids

we have are going to have an enjoyable experience and the word will

spread.”

Romo and the Mustangs will need strong word of mouth to build the

ranks, which, heading into their season-opening tournament last week,

included just eight athletes in the entire program.

Senior Silvio Estrada is the leading link to last year’s success.

He was second in the Golden West League at 130 pounds last season and

is the lone returner among seven Mustang league finalists in 2002.

Estrada will compete at 140 or 145 this season, Romo said, and his

work off the mat and in the practice room, may be essential in

holding the program together.

“Silvio has taken charge and is doing a good job of leading,” said

Romo, whose wrestling career at Estancia in the early 1990s was

hampered by injuries.

Junior Joe Amburgey (189) has been in the program and senior

Junino Diaz (135-140) is back after taking last year off, Romo said.

Sophomore Mike Weber (112) also has some varsity experience, while

newcomers include sophomore Brandon Wood (152), senior Marvin Ramirez

(171), as well as sophomores Chris Knox (119-125) and Vinnie Tubbiola

(125).

Despite the limited numbers, Romo said he has savored every moment

of his first coaching assignment.

“I’m having a great time,” he said. “The kids are great. We had a

couple of issues in the beginning, but we got them ironed out and

things have been great.”

The Mustangs, with only tournaments scheduled outside of league,

open Golden West League action Jan. 6 against Saddleback.