OCVarsity’s preseason O.C. top 10:
PRESEASON O.C. TOP 10
1. Servite: The Friars are reloading for another successful run. They return six Masters qualifiers, including Marcos Polanco, who also qualified for state. Keep an eye on junior Troy Madrigal.
2. Santa Ana: The Saiints advanced to the semifinals of the CIF duals and captured the CIF team championship. Santa Ana returns a solid core and will be a team to watch throughout the tournaments.
3. Laguna Hills: Former Hawks wrestler John Hayes has replaced longtime coach Cliff Jarmie. The team will look the same on the mat and will be typically tough. They will be led by returning state qualifier Anthony Le.
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WRESTLING PREVIEW
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4. Calvary Chapel: Luciano Arroyo and Elijah Palacio are two of the top lower-weight wrestlers in the state. Look for them to have another big year. The team will have a much different look once their transfers become eligible in January.
5. Trabuco Hills: The Mustangs are poised to have another big year with a returning quartet of CIF medalists – Trey Munoz, Brian Hernandez, Matt Roxas and Justin Sarabia. The Mustangs also have a solid group of CIF qualifiers ready to contribute.
6. Esperanza: The Aztecs have a good mix of returners, led by Masters qualifiers Ethan Gould and Josh Brown and Isaiah Mora, a transfer from San Marino. Keep an eye on two incoming freshmen, Aaron Nagao and Joey Mora. Jon Sutherland begins the season ranked in the top 30 at 220 pounds.
7. Cypress: The Centurions are always a tough group. They have a senior-laden lineup returning, led by league champions Tyler Bodholdt (285) and Hothaifa Al-Eid (195).
8. Fountain Valley: The Barons traditionally have a new set of seniors ready to lead the way. This year won’t be any different with Merrick O’Donnell and CIF champion Karson Ayres returning.
9. San Clemente: This is an interesting year for the Tritons. They have a group of strong seniors returning – state qualifier Kyle Marshall, Jimmy Klink, Hunter Gallaher and Austin Moore. The key will be how their younger group develops as the Tritons go through the South Coast League
10. Capistrano Valley: The Cougars are looking to build off of the success of last year’s Sea View League title. They’re moving into the South Coast League this year. They will look for big things from junior Gerardo Hernandez and sophomore Randy Arriaga.
