Servite isn’t going to shy away from trying to repeat last year’s success.
The Friars, who captured their second consecutive CIF title and Dual Meet title, opened the tournament season with a big Saturday effort at the Cossarek Classic.
Servite had 13 medalists and scored 305 points to win the overall team title at Westminster High.
“We have a lot of young guys in the lineup and it was good to see what they could do,” Servite coach Alan Clinton said. “It was a good first step for us.”
The Friars had nine in the semifinals. Liam Cronin (113), Troy Madrigal (145) and Riley Paterson (171) won individual titles.
Marcus Polanco (106), Michael Jurado (152), Angel Cordova (160), Parker Saltzman (195) and Patrick Ferrel (heavyweight) finished second at their respective weights.
The Friars had five others battle in the consolation bracket to score points, including freshman Teddy Okada (120). Okada had to win five matches Saturday to finish third.
Servite will take aim next weekend up in Clovis, with the duals on Friday and the Showdown on Saturday.
“The difference this year is that everybody wants to beat us,” Clinton said. “The young kids (in the lineup) don’t understand that concept yet. They haven’t figured out they have to be on guard all the time. We’re going to keep doing what we do.”
Santa Ana finished second with 248.5 points. The Saints had 12 medalists, including champions Andrew Maldonado (120) and Ricardo Navarette (126). Navarette won Lower Weight MVP honors, winning three matches by fall and another by major decision.
Fountain Valley’s Blake Vasquez (160) was the Middle Weight MVP.
Other county individual champions: Jack Andros (Edison, 152) and Cole Brisbine (Fountain Valley, heavyweight)
At the Rim of the World Tournament:
Brea Olinda finished seventh in the tournament. Ryan Gutierrez (132) earned Lower Weight MVP honors, winning three matches by fall. Brian Bilota (138) also finished first at his weight.
At Carter Tournament:
Laguna Hills finished tied for second with Hemet with 207 pounds. The Hawks had three finalists Steven Kroesen (113), Phillip Zamora (145) and Matt De La Riva (152).
Other action:
Trabuco Hills finished first at its 10-way varsity dual tournament. Great Oak was second, followed by El Modena and Irvine. …Capistrano Valley finished first the Corona del Mar 16-team dual tournament. Richard Arriaga (170) and Gerardo Hernandez (182) finished first at their weights.
