Shelton was Sobrato’s only wrestler to advance Friday
GILROY — Kyle Shelton, Sobrato’s smallest wrestler, became the Bulldogs’ biggest bright spot to come out of a tough weekend in the annual Mid Cal Tournament at Gilroy High School.
Shelton advanced to the second day of competition in the 103-pound division — and in doing so went farther than any of his peers. The sophomore pinned three opponents Friday, but lost his opening match Saturday. Shelton finished 3-2; good enough for an unofficial top-16 placing.
“We’re proud of him for making it to the second day,” Sobrato coach Phil Luna said. “We didn’t know if could it off. Hopefully, it’s a turning point. I know he has a lot of confidence now.”
The Bulldogs sent a dozen wrestlers to the 67-team tournament, which featured some of the top programs in the state. Selma won the team championship with 261.5 points, edging second place Gilroy (248.5) and Saint Francis (245).
Sobrato got multiple wins from Joseph Redmond (119 pounds) and Jacob Maack (171). Redmond beat the No. 8 seed in his first match, then won his second and lost the next two.
Drew Johnson (125), Pierce Lobban (130) and Maycen Gillespie (152) also came away with victories for the Bulldogs.
“It was a very disappointing weekend,” said Luna, who had four wrestlers go winless. “It’s almost like we were tired. We didn’t know how to battle through tough matches. I think we were just tired, you know. I’m not making excuses.”
Sobrato was coming off a 58-18 trouncing over Independence on Thursday in a Blossom Valley Athletic League-Santa Teresa Division dual at Sobrato High School. The Bulldogs got wins from Johnson and Bryon Gomes (103). Independence brought only six wrestlers.
Sobrato (3-1 BVAL) moved into a tie for second place with Andrew Hill, the only team that has beaten the Bulldogs. Last week, Andrew Hill lost to division front-runner Piedmont Hills, which will host Sobrato in the final dual of the regular season Feb. 11.
The Bulldogs travel to Lincoln on Thursday.
“We still have a chance to win this thing,” Luna said. “The guys are excited to get back to work this week.”
