2008-09 All-County Wrestler of the Year: Morgan McIntosh

On the biggest stage of the high school wrestling season, there Calvary Chapel's Morgan McIntosh stood calmly.

With the eyes of the state's wrestling community fixated on the mat at the Rabobank Arena for the 171-pound final, McIntosh didn't blink or appear nervous.

“I really don't think about the pressure too much,” he said.

McIntosh defeated Jordan Williams of El Dorado of Placerville for the state title, 12-7 to cap off an undefeated season.

He also earned the coveted Dave Schultz Champion of Champions award, voted on by the other individual champions.

Not bad, for a sophomore.

For his performance throughout this season, McIntosh is The Register's wrestler of the year.

“He doesn't buy into the pressure of being undefeated or winning the title,” Calvary Chapel coach Arsen Aleksanyan said. “He just wants to wrestle.”

McIntosh, who placed fifth at the state tournament as a freshman, entered the season with high expectations and he didn't disappoint.

He was first at the Reno Tournament of Champions and the Five Counties Invitational. He was selected Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Temecula Valley Invitational at 189 pounds.

He pinned all four opponents on the way to his second CIF title and he dominated the competition at Masters.

It was business as usual.

“I really don't think about the pressure too much,” he said. “I don't worry about it. I try to concentrate on the match and not think about anything else.”

There will be even greater expectations next season.

McIntosh has a chance to become just the second county wrestler to win three state titles. He is also in line to become the second to ever earn four medals at the state tournament.

There will be more pressure-filled moments ahead, but he's not likely to give in to it.

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com