GALT, CA (MPG) - As the season winds down, Liberty Ranch wrestlers are getting ready for the end-of-season tournaments such as League Finals in an attempt to qualify for the Divisional round to be held at Hiram Johnson High School. After that, they hope to qualify for the Masters Tournament at the Stockton Arena.

There are two dual matches remaining in the season: Amador/Argonaut and a head-to-head with Galt to be held at Galt High School on Jan. 29.

Head coach Brian Robinson said competition is tough this year. 

“This year’s league is tougher than the past with the addition of two more schools; the chance of qualifying to move on becomes more difficult, as only four from each weight class advance,” he said.

Last weekend was the last “big tournament” of the season with one smaller at Argonaut this weekend. In the boys’ varsity division, Wyatt Corriea placed first in dominant fashion by pinning every opponent through the championship match. Braden Salbeck, Chalo Enriquez and Brandon Eckroth all were not far behind with second-place finishes in their respective weight classes.  

The JV Boys  had Cutler Perez pin every opponent through the championship match with a pin in the first period of every match, signaling it’s time for him to move up to varsity.  

“Cutler has moved up the varsity ladder since his freshman year and he would be the varsity 285 lbs. if he wasn’t behind Senior Brandon Eckroth,” said Robinson. “Cutler is fairly new to the sport and has been training behind Brandon for a couple years now, and Eckroth has been wrestling since he was in grade school. So, I definitely know that after this year we will be in good hands at the heavyweight spot, also knowing that Daniel Swearinger, once he returns from knee surgery, we will be solid at heavyweight.”

The girl wrestlers were at the same tournament as the boys last weekend at Mesa Verde High School. Veronika Shayhen and Kaydince Silva led with first place medals, pinning every opponent. Anastasia Richardson came in second with Brooklyn Burton next at fourth. 

JV girls got some great experience also: Ameliah Muela took home first place, Jordan Gold second and third-place finishers in Shayhen Odle-Sarganis and Merlina Pantaleon.  

Boys and girls league finals are Feb. 7, then Girls Regionals at Tokay High and Boys Divisionals at Hiram Johnson on the weekend of Feb. 14-15.