Charcas is the man on the mat for Sailors’ wrestlers

maleathlete-charcasThe senior captain leads the way for the Newport Harbor High wrestling team, and hopes to advance to CIF.It was the sixth grade when Eddie Charcas became interested in wrestling.

“I heard an announcement over the loudspeaker about wrestling tryouts,” he said. “Out of curiosity, I tried it, and I liked it.”

That quickly, the world had another scrapper on its hands.

“I liked that it took technique and dedication,” Charcas said. “And I liked being able to hurt someone, but not really hurt them, like within a set of rules.”

Charcas has been plenty busy inflicting the agony of defeat on opponents this season for the Newport Harbor High wrestling team.

Last week, the 125-pound senior won by pin in Newport Harbor’s 41-27 victory over Aliso Niguel on Thursday. He came back on Saturday and took third place in the 125-pound weight class at the prestigious San Clemente Rotary Tournament.

Charcas is 21-9 this season, has 27 takedowns and 11 pins -- the second most on the team.

His record would be even better if it weren’t for losing three Sea View League matches by two points or less. He’s also been going against a lot of top-notch wrestlers.

“The people I’ve lost to have been state qualifiers,” Charcas said.

“Eddie has been wrestling tough opponents,” Newport Harbor Coach Dominic Bulone said. “And he’s always right there in the thick of it.”

Charcas, in his seventh year in the sport, is the most experienced wrestler on the Newport Harbor squad. He was voted one of three team captains by his peers. Bulone said Charcas is solid on his feet and boasts a crowd-pleasing “roll over your shoulder” move called a Granby roll when he’s on his back.

But it’s his other qualities that make him such a good wrestler.

“He’s committed, determined and motivated,” Bulone said.

“I feel like I’m quick and have good wrestling skills,” Charcas said.

Last year as a junior, Charcas reached the CIF Inland Division individuals and went 4-2, including four pins. He counts his pin against Upland High’s Ryan Garcia at that meet as his biggest wrestling victory ever. But he regrets not getting at least one more victory in CIF.

“If I would have won my last match, I would have placed in the top six (and move on to the Masters Meet),” Charcas said. “I lost by two points. I kind of feel like that guy took my spot.”

Charcas is gunning for a return to CIF and perhaps even a stronger showing. But after dropping a few close matches in Sea View League action, he’s got his work cut out for him.

“He has the skills to do that or better this year, but he lost three close matches in league, so he needs to get some payback in the Sea View League finals (Feb. 4 at Irvine High),” Bulone said.

“My goals are to place in CIF and go to the Masters Meet and place in Masters,” Charcas said. “If I keep training hard and improving my skills and keep going, I think I can achieve it.”

The Eddie Charcas File

Hometown: Santa Ana

Height: 5-foot-6

Weight: 125

Sport: Wrestling

Position: 125-pounder

Coach: Dominic Bulone

Favorite food: Steak and pasta

Favorite movie: “Scarface”

Favorite athletic moment: “Placing third at the San Clemente Tournament.”

Week in review: Charcas pinned his opponent in the 125-pound weight class in Newport Harbor’s 41-27 victory over Aliso Niguel on Thursday. He came back on Saturday and took third place in his weight class in the San Clemente Rotary Tournament.20060128NG1NDD1ANo Caption20060128its1ltncMARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)