One of the goals the Palisades High wrestling team set for itself heading into the season was to repeat as City Section dual champion. When the Dolphins won the inaugural tournament last winter several teams, including runner-up San Fernando, chose to rest many of their best wrestlers for the state meet.
Photo: Steve Galluzzo
Palisades entered this year’s draw determined to show it can win City duals again, even if opposing teams are at full strength. In the first round Tuesday the fourth-seeded Dolphins hosted fifth-seeded Carson.
Division I semifinal matches are tonight at 6 at Monroe High in North Hills, followed by the finals at 7:30. Also in the field are Cleveland, El Camino Real, San Fernando, Bell, San Pedro and Birmingham. The outcome will help determine seedings for the City Wrestling Championships (preliminaries Feb. 20 and finals Feb. 21) at Roybal Learning Center. The seeding meeting is next Tuesday at the City Section office in Sun Valley.
Several Dolphins began the competition ranked in the Top 6 in their respective weight classes. Erik Miranda is ranked No. 1 in the City at 106 pounds; David Rheingold is second at 113; Kevin Monterrubio is sixth at 132; Kevin Rosen is fourth at 138; Sam Reedy is third at 152; Brad Boorstin is No. 1 at 170 and Kenny Jones is ranked No. 2 in the heavyweight division (285 pounds).
Rounding out Palisades’ squad are Matt Au and Noah Schoolsky (120 pounds), Lance Santelices (126), Anthony Teitelbaum (145), Marcelo Maya (150), Lofton Mason (180), Hamzah Alsaudi and Carlos Velado (195) and Marvin Williams and Aria Mahinfar (220).
The Dolphins are the defending Coliseum League and City Regional champions and finished fourth at City finals last year. San Fernando won the team championship.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
