By Graham Lipps
and Cameron Richter
Staff Writers
For the first time in 10 years, the Mira Costa boys varsity wrestling team took first place in the Division VI Southern Section of California Interscholastic Federation playoffs. The Mustangs defeated Shadow Hills High School on Feb. 7 in the championship, 58-15.
Sophomore Cale Lewis, senior Jason Guerrero, sophomore Jean-Paul Lebosnayani, seniors Jimmy Millea, Miguel Cervantes, Miles Gilliam, and junior Niilo Niemi pinned their opponents, winning outright.
There were also three Mustangs, Jamaal Williams, Luca Mangiarano, and junior Alex Chaney, who won their matches by decision, contributing to the team’s overall victory.
“The CIF victory made the team ecstatic,” junior Kelly McNamee said. “It was a huge win that made us feel confident and ready to take the win again next year.”
Gilliam won the CIF Southern Section individual title after defeating Lakewood High School’s Alex Michel. Gilliam and Michel were tied 2-2 after the first period, but neither wrestler could score a point in the second or third period, forcing the match into overtime. Gilliam had a takedown in overtime, securing his 4-2 victory and championship.
“Four years ago, our team was the worst in the area,” coach Jimmy Chaney said. “The physical education teachers let me introduce wrestling to the freshmen, and that is how we recruited wrestlers. Today, those freshmen are seniors and made it to the CIF championship.”
Several Costa wrestlers are currently in Ontario to compete in the CIF Southern Section Masters meet today. Wrestlers qualified by being in the top five of their weight class in California. Seniors Lars Cameron and Cervantes placed fifth in their weight classes. Millea placed third in the heavyweight division, while Lebosnayani narrowly missed qualification by placing sixth in his division; he will be serving as an alternate in Ontario.
“Our team has come a long way, and we are thrilled with the direction we are headed,” Cameron said.
Gilliam will not be attending the Masters Meet due to a wrist injury suffered during a practice; he is unable to compete after winning the individual title.
“As for what remains, our team wrestles for the last time together at Masters; we lace up our shoes and hope for another week of success as we move onto Ontario,” Millea said. “We plan to compete like there is no tomorrow in the upcoming Masters tournament.”
The CIF championship victory brought an end to a successful season for the wrestling team, while the individual wrestlers carry on in the Masters meet today.
“Through every tournament we had, there has been a constant war,” Chaney said. “A war to prove ourselves. We had the will to win when others didn’t. While it’s nice to be CIF champs, this is just one year. There are a lot more titles to come.”
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