Calvary Chapel’s junior 215-pound wrestler William “Tank” Knowles’ two previous trips to the CIF State tournament ended in disappointment for him.
As a freshman, he fell one match short of finishing in the top eight in his weight class.
Last year, he finished fourth.
This season, his goals were to go undefeated and win a state title.
Mission accomplished.
Knowles put the finishing touches on a 42-0 season with a 3-2 victory in the 215-pound finals at the state tournament over JT Felix of Centennial of Corona.
For his performance all season, Knowles is the Register’s 2009-10 wrestler of the year.
“I’ve been ranked first the whole year, but it (the ranking) wasn’t really mine until I claimed it,” Knowles said following his state title. “This is something I’ve been training for since day one of my freshman year.”
Knowles started the season ranked No. 1 in the state and stayed there, despite a brutal tournament schedule.
Knowles won titles at the Ironman, Reno Tournament of Champions, SoCal Challenge and Five Counties Invitational.
“I’m proud for Tank,” Calvary Chapel coach Arsen Aleksanyan said. “I think that is the best season that a wrestler can possibly have.
“Winning Ironman, Reno, Five Counties, this (state tournament), being undefeated … he probably gave up five takedowns all year. I know this means a lot to him to finally get the monkey off his back.”
To his credit, Knowles had to earn his state title. He scored a takedown in the third period to seal the victory against Felix. It was the third meeting this season between the two.
The first meeting came in the finals at Five Counties with Knowles winning, 4-1. The second match was in the finals at the CIF-SS Masters Meet. Knowles was again victorious, winning, 3-2, in overtime.
The final match appeared headed to overtime, until Knowles struck for the takedown.
“I knew he was going to be a tough opponent,” Knowles said. “I know third period is my period to wrestle.”
Knowles joined his workout partner, Morgan McIntosh, as state champions. McIntosh is a two-time state champion.
“He did a great job,” McIntosh said. “I’m happy for him to get his first state title.”
