Live Oak wrestlers gaining mat experience through tournament
performances
Morgan Hill – The Live Oak Acorn varsity wrestling team kicked off Tri-County Athletic League action last Wednesday in a dual against the Salinas Cowboys at home. The Acorns were defeated by Salinas, 52-27.
Although fighting illness, Mike McHenry recorded the only pin for Live Oak, defeating his opponent one minute into the first round.
“I didn’t do that well in that match,” explained McHenry. “I went out there and stuck it to him. I’m just trying to go out there and do my best.”
Jason Hendersen also recorded a win for the Acorns at the 135-pound weight class, defeating his opponent, 8-7.
“Everybody worked real hard and we’re very happy with what we have seen,” said Live Oak coach Robert Fernandez. “We have had strong performances for the younger wrestlers and we still have some goals to set as far as intensity goes.”
Last Saturday, although they were missing four wrestlers due to illness, the Acorns placed ninth our of 28 teams in the Lynn Dyche Tournament at James Lick High School.
Team captain Hendersen (135-pound) and senior Buck Tanner (140-pound) led the Acorns with both taking third place in their weight classes. Tom Method, a first year heavyweight, earned fifth place as did teammate Mitch Haaser (160-pound).
Freshman Tony Morales (103-pound) finished in sixth place and junior Brett Jones improved his overall record to 11-3 on the season. Jones has finished 10 of his 11 victories by pin and leads the team with pins for the season.
Sophomore Mariah Fernandez participated in the girls tournament at the Castro Valley Classic, earning a second place finish. Fernandez pinned all three of her opponents leading into the final match where she fell to senior Ivy Bier for the second time this season. Bier is the only wrestler to defeat Fernandez this season.
Live Oak returns to league action Wednesday against the Sobrato Bulldogs.
