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Damian Calhoun. Sports Newsroom Assistant.

// MORE INFORMATION: Associate Mug Shot taken August 24, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

NEWPORT BEACH – Jordan Elam’s 170-pound match in a Pacific Coast League dual Wednesday was the perfect example of the effort it has taken the University wrestling team to get headed in the right direction.

Elam trailed against Corona del Mar’s Jewlian Avila, 6-1, in the first period. He eventually tied the score at 7 in the third period and sealed the victory with a three-point near fall as time expired.

University, under new coach Steve Shiflett, recorded its third league victory, 63-16, by defeating the Sea Kings at Corona del Mar High.

“It was slow,” Shiflett said of the team’s adjustment period. “There were a couple of kids, when I started, they weren’t buying into it, and slowly and surely, with the success that some of the kids are having, they’re starting to believe.

“They all believe that they can win now, which is the big step. Changing the mindset in practice was the hardest part. They’re starting to believe. We lift more, we run more, these are kids are starting to believe in what they’re told.”

The dual started at 106 pounds. Corona del Mar’s lineup was shorthanded because of injuries and illness, and the Sea Kings gave up five of the first seven matches by forfeit.

CdM also received a forfeit at 126 pounds.

The first match that was wrestled came at 138 pounds, and University’s Max Hertz won by fall.

Corona del Mar’s first victory came at 152 pounds with Peter Hollingshed winning by major decision, 12-2.

The Trojans won the final four matches by fall. The Sea Kings ended the match with Jacob Petersen winning by fall at heavyweight.

“We had a new group of sophomores that are really buying into it because they don’t know any better,” Shiflett said. “So we’re able to harness their talent and we can shape them the way we want. We want to be more aggressive, win or lose.

“That’s what we started at, just get out there and compete. That’s how we’ve changed it. Our girl wrestler (Lorena Egea) has that mentality and they’ve watched her wrestle. They support her and it is just wearing off on the whole team.”

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@scng.com