Several Sobrato grapplers expected to go far in CCS
MORGAN HILL — Going into his final wrestling season at Sobrato High, Ryan Brewer has his mind set on two things: Making state and ending the Bulldogs’ dreaded Silver Curse.
The past three winters, Brewer and his teammates watched the varsity program crank out championship-caliber teams only to settle for three one-loss records in league — and three second-place finishes.
Brewer couldn’t help but smile, talking about it before Monday’s practice.
“It is kind of ridiculous,” the 6-foot-1 senior said. “We’ve taken second every year I’ve been on varsity. I would definitely like to change that in my last year.”
Sacking the program’s elusive first team title is far down the list of first-year coach Moses Guillardo’s goals for the 2009-10 season. Several of his wrestlers have a chance to go to state, Guillardo said, just like he did twice during his prep career, once as a Bulldog.
“A lot of our guys have a lot of potential; more than I expected coming in,” said Guillardo, who took over the program after fourth-year coach Phil Luna stepped down at the end of last season. “We have a lot of familiar names and a lot of young guys that are working hard. They’re willing to practice hard to reach their potential.”
The team is anchored by five middle and lowerweight wrestlers, including fourth-year Bulldogs Drew Johnson and Brewer, who plan to wrestle at 140 and 152 pounds, respectively, Brian Gomes (103), Nick Crawley (145) and freshman Zack Zhang (152).
Brewer expects to place in the Central Coast Section Championships after bowing out early a year ago.
“It was a disappointing way for me to end the year,” he said. “I expect to win every match and go far in tournaments.”
Brewer is currently listed at 160 pounds. Should he stay there, Zhang likely will wrestle at 152 ahead of Crawley, who became a steady contributor in his first season with the Bulldogs. Zhang won a county championship in middle school, Guillardo said.
Gustavo Ramirez returns at heavyweight, and Raul Serrano is inked at 171. The 112, 119 and 189 spots are occupied by Daniel Johnson, Thomas Burback and Brandon Maack.
Hoping to get in midseason shape quickly, the Bulldogs have invested more time in conditioning. Guillardo and assistant coach Victor Gillespie, another Sobrato wrestling product, hope to expand the team’s repertoire.
“(Luna) and I have the same philosophy when it comes to training, but I do a lot more running,” Guillardo said. “I’m adding different moves, too. Each move I show them is a move I succeeded with at every level.”
