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GONZALES — Gonzales junior wrestler Robert Ochoa finished with a 1-2 record while competing at the California Interscholastic Federation State Wrestling Championships at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. Ochoa competed in the 197 pound weight class.
Ochoa, a third place finisher at the Central Coast Section Championships began the CIF State Meet against Andy Voong from Arroyo High School and the Southern Section. Ochoa lost by fall to Voong.
In his first match in the consolation round, Ochoa wrestled Bobby Aparicio of Central High School of the Central Section. Ochoa won the match by way of pin.
In his final match Ochoa drew Kalinin Sorensen of San Marcos High School and the San Diego Section. Ochoa lost by pin to Sorensen.
“At the end of his first match we had to get Robert to refocus and to remind himself that this is the State Meet and he must recover and wrestle his best,” said Gonzales head coach Larry Rodriguez. “He came out better in his second match against Aparicio of Central and controlled the match before getting the win. In his last match he wrestled a guy in Sorenson that would go on to medal on the second day. Robert will take a little time off and then return to the mats and get ready for next season.”
In the team competition Buchanan High School defending their State title and Central Coast Section Champion Gilroy High School placed second at the State Meet.
The California State Wrestling Championships is the toughest tournament in the United States as there are no divisions, just the best against the best.
