The Live Oak wrestling team put together a patch-work roster
Thursday to beat Gunderson 42-29
SAN JOSE — The Live Oak wrestling team put together a patch-work roster Thursday to beat Gunderson 42-29.
Several Acorns couldn’t make the trip to Gunderson High because of illness or finals, Live Oak coach Robert Fernandez said in a telephone interview afterward, but the local grapplers passed their first West Valley Division test with strong performances in the middle weights.
Clayton Howard (125 pounds), Tyler Pederson (130), Matt Dariano (135), Cesar Gamboa (140), Kenny Lee (145) and Steven Fernandez (160) won by pin for the Acorns, who are gunning for their first league championship in 29 years.
“Tonight was all about our development and training,” Fernandez said. “We’re starting to show that we’re working hard. The technique is getting to where it needs to be.”
After dropping the opening match at 171 pounds, Live Oak rallied with pins from Kialo Wilson (189) and senior heavyweight Erik Poulsen, who looked impressive in his varsity league debut. Poulsen won with 17 seconds left in the first period.
“I haven’t seen a heavyweight wrestle like this in a long time,” Fernandez said.
Steven Fernandez, the Acorns’ senior standout at 152 pounds, was set to have the night off, but subbed in for Tyler Geer at 160 once the score got close.
“Tyler was ready to go 160s but willingly swapped so we could have a guaranteed win,” Robert Fernandez said. “That was a big team move by Tyler.”
The Acorns will be at Lick High this weekend for the Lynn Dyche Tournament.
