Logan Wrestlers Sweep Competition at State Tournament

Submitted by Coach Luke Santos:

James Logan High School continued its dominance on the mat this past weekend at Los Banos High School for the Junior Freestyle State tournament.  This style of wrestling is the same as you see in the Olympics with an entirely different scoring system than the high school season, and is the style the rest of the world competes in.

The grapplers were coming off of a strong showing at the Junior Western Regionals in Las Vegas where the Colts had 3 place winners: Ray Monela, 6th place at 113 lbs; Clayton Hartwell, 3rd place at 195 lbs.; and Artemio Flores, 6th at 145 lbs (defaulted to 6th after suffering an ankle injury in the semifinals).  Vegas proved to be a perfect warm up for the boys as James Logan qualified 3 to represent Team California on the National Team in Fargo North Dakota this summer.

Raymond Monela (113 lbs) placed 2nd in the state losing a close battle in the finals to a Benicia wrestler.  This was Raymond's 2nd freestyle tournament ever. 

Jacob Donato, now fully recovered from a near season ending ankle injury, plowed his way through a tough 126-lb. field, before running into 2013 CIF State Champion and National Runner-Up Mason Pengilly of Porterville in the semifinals.  Donato scrapped with Pengilly but came up short after 2 periods.  He bounced back to pin all his opponents to take 3rd place. 

Jacob Macalolooy might be having the best off-season of all.  Back in March Jacob won the Grade State title at the 11th grade division, and in a loaded field he didn't disappoint this weekend either.  Jacob went 7-0 on the day beating state place winner Austin Solari from Liberty along the way.  After dropping the first period in his finals match, the composed Macalolooy adjusted his gameplan, and dominated the last two periods to take the title.

Other wrestlers that competed at the tournament were Micahel Morales (126), Felix Bonavente (132), Eugene Biyok (160), and Alvaro Salas (170).

This tournament marked the last of the Colts' rigorous post-season schedule.  All together, the Logan Grapplers qualified 4 boys and 3 girls for the National Team, with 3 pending acceptance awaiting petitions.

James Logan National team Members:

• Rolan Bautitsta 3rd place 160 lbs
• Jacob Donato 3rd place 126 lbs
• Raymond Monela 2nd place 113 lbs
• Jacob Macalolooy 1st place 145 lbs

• Isela Hamil 3rd place 125 lbs
• Melanie Cordero 4th place 130 lbs
• Alyssa Hernandez 2nd place 148 lbs

Fundraising efforts are in progress as it is very costly to send each of these athletes across the country to compete and represent not only California, but the Bay Area, and Union City. 

If you feel led to contribute to helping UC's finest accomplish their goals, please email coach Luke Santos at Keoniluke@gmail.com for more information on how to help.