Lizzaraga, San Marin wrestlers turn in strong overall effort
San Marin freshman Christian Lizzaraga puts the squeeze, known as a “chicken wing,” on an opponent on his way to a second place medal at the Oakland Winter Classic wrestling tournament.� The meet was held at Oakland High School on Saturday. Lizzaraga will be a wrestler to watch in the next few years, as a win for a freshman in this tournament is rare. RICH LEWIS PHOTOSan Marin’s Richard Alvarado reached the second day of competition in the 121-pound division at the Mission San Jose wrestling tournament Saturday in Fremont, posting a 2-0 record Friday, and ending up sixth.
Tyler White posted a 2-1 record at Mission San Jose.
San Marin took the rest of its team to the Oakland Winter Classic Saturday and enjoyed some success.
Christian Lizzaraga was second at 103 pounds with a 4-1 record; Bryan Phan was third at 103 with a 3-1 record; John Lewis was third at 145 with a 2-1 record; Chris Vauvris was 3-2 in the 152-pound division; Jake Reding posted a 2-2 mark at 191, and Ryan Joyce took fifth at 287 with a 2-1 mark.
“We were impressed with Lizzaraga going 1-2 at Mission San Jose, then 4-1 in Oakland,” said SM coach Dan Donaldson. “That’s seven matches in two days, and he did a great job.”
In a Marin County Athletic League match last week, Novato made quick work of Drake, winning 60-18.
The match included eight forfeits, six in favor of Novato, and one double-forfeit at 191 pounds.
Greg Keller scored a pin at 142 pounds, Rafael Ayala at 147, Ivan D’Arrigo at 162 and Matt Farney at 173.
“Those who were able to compete wrestled well,” said Novato coach Eric Brielmeier, whose team pulled out of a Saturday tournament in Ukiah because of too many wrestlers being sidelined with illness. “We’re getting our minds focused on the MCAL tournament Feb. 21.”
With the dual-match win, the Hornets improved to 2-5 in league.
