No Guts No Glory

In a balanced attack the Blue Devils earned 5 medals with just as many wrestlers in the the No Guts No Glory wrestling tournament at Hiram Johnson High on Wednesday. Coach Ty Brown was pleased with his team's performance, noting several wrestlers earned their first medals of the season.

Philip Toy paced the Devils taking 3rd place with 4 wins and 1 loss. His victories came easy--3 pins and 1 major decision, while his one loss, 8-5, was a tough match with multiple lead changes.

Andy Schmidl and Blair Kittle took 4th place in their respective weight classes, 135 and 189 lbs. Both grapplers had 3 wins and 2 losses on the day. Kittle had pins against opponents from Antelope and Lindhurst, plus a forfeit. His only losses came against wrestlers from Ukiah and Natomas. Schmidl's most memorable match came against Austin Huynh from River City. Down 4-0 at the end of the 2nd period, nothing seemed to work for the Blue Devil. However, in the final period, Schmidl scored two pairs of near fall points, with an arm bar and cradle tilt, to win 6-4.

Scott Derby broke into the medal rounds in the 145 lbs division. With a 1st round BYE and victory over Landon Walters of Elk Grove, the Blue Devil suffered a narrow loss, 11-10, against an opponent from Rio Linda. A victory would have propelled the junior into the championship match! Derby finished in 6th place. Coach Brown, emphasizing the "process", commented that while Derby had a good tournament, he, like many others on the team, hasn't reach his full potential yet.

Navid Fani, wrestling up a weight class at 152 lbs, took 8th place. His most memorable match came against an opponent from Laguna Creek. With multiple lead changes throughout the match, at the end of regulation the score was tied, 11-11. In overtime, Fani scored the first takedown and won the match.

Coach Brown, who never measures success based on a win loss record, was pleased with his team's effort. It's about getting better and developing, said Brown.

Up next, the Blue Devils start league competition. With a young and inexperience team, dual meets will be challenging. To be competitive, the Blue Devils need their varsity wrestlers to step up and the JV team to fill in the open weight classes. With the league realignment, the Devils start dual meet competition on the road against unfamilar teams--Monterey Trail (Jan 5) and Grant (Jan 12).

Lou Bronzan Tournament -- Brentwood

Sharpening their skills in pre-league tournaments, six Blue Devils competed in the Lou Bronzan Wrestling Invitational in Brentwood. With over 50 teams participating, the 2-day event (one of toughest tournaments on the schedule) presented both successes and challenges to the young team.

Leading DHS was senior Philip Toy at 113 lbs. who placed 4th. After defeating RJ Dilag of Sacred Heart and Chris Lopez of Pioneer, Toy advanced to the semi-finals, where the Blue Devil lost to Vincent Luis of Rancho Cotate. Deep in the medal rounds, Toy split his next two matches--first pinning Johnny Zamarini of Liberty High, then losing by decision to Tommy Yozzo of Amador Valley. Coach Brown described Toy as having a record DHS season--consistently placing high in every tournament.

Brown also praised Scott Derby at 141 lbs as a star in the making. After losing his first match, Derby earned two pins in a row against Richardo Camarena of Andrew Hill High and Saul Zelaya of San Leandro. Then, leading decisively in his next match, the junior seemed destined to advance to the 2nd day. But, one mistake, doomed the Blue Devil as he lost by pin. Building off a 2nd place finish at Whitney High last week, Brown likes Derby's relentless energy and new found confidence.

Brown also highlighted Blair Kittle and Andy Schmidl. Kittle, a first year senior wrestler, yearns for knowledge, says Brown. Schmidl, a sophomore, is turning the corner. Will Glaeser and Navid Fani also represented DHS and, according to Brown, are developing ahead of schedule. With a young team, Brown plans to send his inexperienced varsity wrestlers to range of tournaments from JV to tough 2-day varsity meets like this one.

Up next, the Devils travel to Johnson High on Dec 29 for the No Guts No Glory tournament.

Green and Gold Tournament

After a strong Central Valley showing last week, the DHS wrestling team headed west to the Green and Gold Varsity tournament at San Marin High. With 30 teams participating, the tournament represented the fiercest competition to date. Philip Toy (112 lbs) placed 2nd to lead the team. Andy Schmidl, Scott Derby, and Blair Kittle also represented DHS.

After a first round bye, Toy won his next two matches by pins and advanced to the championship match where he faced his opponent from Los Altos. Entering the final period, the score was tied 6-6, but in the end the Blue Devil lost the championship bout by one point, 8-7.

Also performing well for the Blue Devils was junior Scott Derby, at 145lbs, who had 2 wins and 2 losses on the day, narrowly missing the medal rounds.

2010-2011 Season Starts at Ceres Invitational

The DHS Blue Devils opened their wrestling season at the Ceres Invitational sending 5 grapplers to the Central Valley tournament. Head Coach Ty Brown was pleased with the results as 3 wrestlers earned medals: Toy won the championship, Kittle took 3rd, and Schmidl took 6th place. Derby and Fani also represented DHS.

Philip Toy, a senior, won the 112lb championship with 4 straight victories. After pinning his first two opponents each in the first round, Toy defeated Zach Conley of Livermore and earned a ticket to the title bout. In the championship match, Toy defeated Daniel Guzman of Western Ranch by a score of 4-1. Toy, who qualified for Master’s last year, controlled the tournament from the onset never falling behind in any match. Brown, who has coached Toy for 4 years, described his veteran lightweight as one who “takes care of business” on the mat--taking points when his opponent offers them and then wrestling smart.

Senior Blair Kittle (189lbs) took 3rd place with 3 wins and 1 loss. After a first round BYE, Kittle, a stand out football player, won his first match against Richard Sotelo from Hughson. Coach Brown, also with football experience, connected with this new wrestling barking “linebacker stance” during the bout. Kittle’s only loss, came against Jesse Stoy of Sunnyside High. In his final two matches, Kittle, a bench press extraordinaire, overpowered his opponents and won both by pins.

Sophomore Andy Schmidl (135lbs) took 6th place. Starting strong, Schmidl won his first two matches, then faced Aarom Dizon from Escalon. Up 6-1 in the 2nd round, it appeared as if Schmidl was going to the championship. But one slip, doomed his quest and his opponent turned him to his back.

Next, the Varsity travels west to the San Marin Green and Gold Tournament.

Eleven Blue Devils Advance to Sub Sections

On Saturday, the DHS wrestling team competed in the DVC league championships. Eleven Blue Devils did well enough to advance to the next round in the post season.

Senior Cody Calhoun and Junior Philip Toy, both with 4-1 league records, took 2nd place at the DVC championships. In the 145 pound championship bout, Calhoun lost a fiercely competitive match, with numerous lead changes, against Scott Votino of Elk Grove. Calhoun earned the first take down and by the end of the second period led 5-3. But in the final round Calhoun surrendered some key points and lost the match, 6-5. In the 112 pound division, Toy beat his Valley opponent to advance to the championship match, where he lost to Martin Rameriz of Elk Grove.

Junior Spencer Abilgaard and Sophomore Scott Derby took 3rd place. The 119 pound Abilgaard, after a loss to Elk Grove, won his next two matches against Kennedy and Laguna Creek. Derby, competing in the 130 pound division, opened with a win against Laguna Creek. The Blue Devil lost his second match against Elk Grove, but bounced back with a victory over Valley.

Seven Blue Devils took 4th place: Andy Schmidl, Stephen Hill, Austin Day, Mishiko Chigogidze, Will Glazer, Tim Yang, and Daniel Jaime.

Up next the Blue Devils face off against the Delta River and Monticello Empire leagues at in Napa on Friday and Saturday. Wrestlers who do well in Napa will advance to the masters meet in Stockton the following week.

Highlands

The DHS Wrestling team hosted Highland High School at home on Friday night, Jan 27. To minimize forfeits, Coach Ty Brown had a few DHS grapplers wrestle against heavier opponents. The strategy worked as the Devils prevailed, 52-24.

Coach Brown started the night by recognizing the team's seniors: Cody Calhoun, Emanuel Castro, Daniel Gibbs, Daniel Jaime, and Devon Mcglone. Three seniors competed. Tied 4-4 at the end of the first round, Cody Calhoun took control and pinned his opponent in the second round. Emanuel Castro and Daniel Gibbs lost their match, but were among the handful of wrestlers who faced heavier opponents.

In other competition, Junior Philip Toy, at 114 pounds, defeated his opponent by technical fall, 16-0. Freshman Andy Schmidl, at 127 pounds, started strong against his opponent. Ahead 7-4 after the first round, Schmidl pinned his opponent in the second round. Similarly, Junior Andrew Olivas, at 132 pounds, pinned his opponent in the second round.

In the mid-weight division, Sophomore Scott Derby, wrestling up, won a tightly contested, back and forth match. Behind 4-3, at the end of the first round, Derby took control in the next two rounds, winning 11-9. Junior Stephen Hill, who has been battling injuries all season, looked sharp in his return. At 154 pounds, Hill won his match 8-1.

In the upper weights, Mishiko Chigogidze won by pin, while Junior Will Glazer, wrestling up, lost his match.

Spencer Abilgaard, Tim Yang, and Austin Day won by forfeit.

Kennedy

On Wednesday, Jan 27, the DHS wresting team fell to Kennedy (35-30) in league competition in what has become a familiar story. Of the matches actually wrestled, the Blue Devils fared well--winning 7 out the 9 matches--but could not overcome 4 forfeits in the upper weight classes.

Junior Philip Toy started the night with a 2-1 victory in a rematch of last year's league championship. Sophomore Ran Wang, filling in for the injured Spencer Abilgaard, won the next match by decision, 4-3. Freshman Andy Schmidl pinned his opponent in the first round. Similarly, Andrew Olivas, the last of the light weights at 130 pounds, controlled his match with a 10-4 victory. With 4 straight victories, DHS led Kennedy, 15-0.

In the mid-weights, Emanuel Castro continued DHS' success with an unorthodox pin. His opponent, attempting to tilt Castro, lost control and the junior leaned back hard, pinning his opponent. Senior and co-captain Cody Calhoun, in his usual display of excellence, pinned his opponent in the second round.

Junior Matt Lundgren suffered the first Blue Devil's loss at 152 pounds, but Sophomore Austin Day bounced back. After the first round, Day led 4-3 in a back and forth match, but with each round, Day extended his lead and won the match 10-6 in what would be DHS' last victory, the Blue Devils ahead 30-6.

Junior Tim Yang lost his match, then in a familiar story, the Blue Devils forfeited 4 upper weight matches lifting the Cougars over the Devils.

Notes: On Friday, the Blue Devils celebrate Senior Night while hosting Highlands for its final home dual meet.

Albany Invitational

On Saturday, Jan 21, the DHS Wrestling varsity team competed in the Albany Invitational with 4 Blue Devils advancing to the medal rounds. It was the team's best tournament performance of the season in fierce competition against 44 teams.

Junior Philip Toy placed 3rd in the 114 pound division with 4 wins and 1 loss. After a first round BYE, Toy started the tournament with convincing victories against Elk Grove (7-0) and Ukiah (first round pin) to advance to the semi-finals, where he faced top seed Joe Moita of De La Salle High School. Toy lost that match, but showed resilience in his final match, beating Damon Ngyien of San Leandro, 9-0.

Andrew Olivas placed 4th in the 132 pound division with 3 wins and 2 losses. The junior won his first three matches, two of them decided in the final seconds. After an easy first round victory, Olivas faced Azuirch Paul of El Molino High, which he won 14-13. In his next match, against Sacred Heart, it took an overtime victory to propel Olivas to the semi-finals. The grappler lost his last 2 matches to finish 4th overall.

Junior Spencer Abilgaard and Freshman Andy Schmidl placed 6th and 8th respectively. Abilgaard at 121 pounds had 3 wins and 2 losses. The junior won his first two matches, but lost his 3rd and 5th match. His final victory (7-1) was against Frank Ely of Albany High in the 4th round. Schmidl, at 127 pounds, won his first 2 matches, but lost his final 3.

Other wrestlers representing the Blue Devils were Devon Mcglone and Tim Yang.

Coach Ty Brown and Assistant Coach Clint Deknikker were impressed with the team's performance, noting "the team is peaking at the right time."

Notes: Senior Cody Calhoun did not compete in this tournament, but posted the sole Blue Devil victory at a dual meet against Elk Grove last week. The final home dual meet will be at 6PM Friday, January 29 against Highlands High School. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Senior Night. In addition, there will be prizes and raffles from the team's sponsors.

Laguna Creek

On January 13, the DHS Wrestling team hosted Laguna Creek in league competition. Half way through the meet, Coach Ty Brown passionately instructed "Hand Control" to his first year wrestler, Andrew Olivas. Ahead 9-3, Olivas set up a pinning combination. The referee slapped the mat, signaling Olivas' victory, and the 135 pound wrestler, earned his first varsity pin. After 6 matches, the Blue Devils led the Cardinals 28-6. But despite the great start, Davis would eventually forfeit 4 of the 5 upper weight matches and fall to Laguna Creek, 44-28.

Earlier that night, co-captain Philip Toy at 112 pounds earned the first points for the Blue Devils. Toy, the defending league champion, dominated his opponent with a takedown, multiple back points, and a pin--all in 50 seconds.

Spencer Abilgaard at 119 pounds won a major decision, 16-8. From the neutral or bottom position, Abilgaard scored 8 takedowns or reversals at will, while limiting his opponent to 8 escapes. Like Toy, Abilgaard is undefeated (2-0) in league competition.

Freshman and co-captain Andy Schmidl had a decisive victory. From the neutral position, the 125 pounder tied up with his opponent and rolled him immediately to his back. The quick strike caught the Cardinal off guard, which Schmidl converted to a pin.

The Blue Devils were on a roll. Following Schmidl, Sophomore Scott Derby at 130 pounds won his match by forfeit. Then, Andrew Olivas pinned his opponent, giving DHS its biggest lead of the night.

Next up was co-captain Cody Calhoun who lost a tough match, 12-11. In the first period, Calhoun scored both takedown and near fall points to lead 8-2. But by the final period, the momentum had shifted and the 145 pound senior lost a tough match.

Other varsity wrestlers competing were Emanuel Castro, Matt Lundgren, and Tim Yang. In JV competition Navid Fani, posted a 5-4 victory for the Devils. Other JV wrestlers were Conner DeKnikker and Westin Crites.

Next up, the Blue Devils travel to Elk Grove on Wednesday, Jan 20.

Freshman Shines at Mat Classic

On Saturday, the Blue Devils sent 6 varsity wrestlers to the one-day Mat Classic Tournament in Livermore to compete against 36 other teams. Andy Schmidl had a strong performance with 3 wins and 2 loses -- all of his matches decided by pin. In his first match, Schmidl surrendered the first take down, but after an escape caught his opponent in a front headlock. Maneuvering to a cradle, the freshman had his first victory. Schmidl lost his next match, but fought back with two more victories, one taking only 41 seconds. Schmidl controlled the tempo in his third victory. After scoring multiple take downs and near fall points, with the score 12-3, the 126 pound wrestler earned the pin.

The other Blue Devils competing were Cody Calhoun, Scott Derby, Philip Toy, Ran Wang, and Tim Yang. Each Blue Devil had at least one victory. Up next, the Blue Devils host Laguna Creek on Wednesday.

Blue Devils Fall to Franklin

The DHS Wrestling team, lead by Head Coach Ty Brown, opened league competition against perennial powerhouse Franklin at home on Tuesday. For most of the meet, the Blue Devils fared well against the Wildcats, trading leads in the light-weight and mid-weight divisions. But in the upper weight classes, the Devils had no answer for the more experienced Franklin team.

Co-captain Philip Toy at 112 pounds set the pace early for the Devils. Toy, the defending DVC league champion, started the season where he left off last year. Scoring numerous take down and near fall points, Toy, a junior, controlled the tempo and kept his opponent scoreless, winning 14-0.

Junior Spencer Abildgaard at 119 pounds won a fiercely competitive match. Starting the third period ahead 11-6, Abildgaard seemed to have the match under control. Rather than starting in the top position, Abildgaard surrendered 1 point to began the 3rd period in the neutral position. It seemed like a mistake, because the Franklin wrestler immediately scored a take down for 2 more points and trapped Abildgaard in a cradle. Twice, Abildgaard was on his back, but each time he broke free before the required 3 count. When it seemed like it couldn't get any worse, the referee warned Abildgaard about stalling, his lead now down to 1 point. Abildgaard fought back hard, however, and scored a reversal in the final seconds to seal his victory, 13-10.

With several losses at the 125 to 140 pound divisions, the Blue Devils seemed to lose their composure, then senior and co-captain Cody Calhoun at 145 pounds stepped on the mat. In what seemed like a scramble, Calhoun took a weak position and earned a take down, which he immediately converted to near fall points, then a pin--the only Blue Devil pin of the night! Calhoun's energy was infectious because 152 pound junior Matt Lundgren, in a tough match, earned 6 more team points when his opponent had to forfeit due to injury.

After 9 matches and 5 to go, the Blue Devils trailed by only 1 point (19-20). In the upper weight classes, however, the Wildcats took control and won the remaining matches to defeat the Blue Devils (19-50).

Notes: Co-Captain Stephen Hill did not compete due to injury. In the Junior Varsity competition, Ran Wang at 119 pounds won by decision 5-2. Next up the Varsity Team travels to Livermore on Saturday. On Friday, sophomore Hanna Herrera, the sole lady Blue Devil wrestler, will be competing in an all girls meet in Napa. The next league meet will be at home against Laguna Creek on Wednesday, Jan 13.

The Bash

Despite a strong performance last week at the Lou Branzon Invitational, the DHS Wrestling team was not able to build on that momentum at "The Bash" -- a Goliath two-day tournament in Fresno. With over 75 teams from all over the Golden State, the Bash is not for the faint hearted. This year Head Coach Ty Brown took six wrestlers (Spencer Abrigaard, Cody Calhoun, Stephen Hill, Andy Schmidl, Philip Toy, and Tim Yang) to this annual pilgrimage. Although none advanced to the second day, Coach Ty Brown was pleased with the team's performance, as several wrestlers made it to the 4th round.

The Blue Devils start league competition next week against Franklin.

(File Photo from earlier tournament: Philip Toy, top, sets up a pinning combination.)