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.
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