Paloma Valley’s boys wrestling team easily outscored the opposition Saturday in winning the team championship of the Riverside County Championships at Arlington High School.
The Wildcats finished with 300.5 points, far ahead of second-place Palm Desert (241.5). Paloma coach Luis Robles was also honored, being named winner of the Ron Main Award for outstanding coaching.
Anthony Saldana won a 10-2 major decision over Rancho Mirage’s Edward Ramirez in the 132-pound division. He was one of 14 Paloma Valley wrestlers who placed in the top eight to make the podium ceremony.
At 106, William Leyva lost in the championship bout to Mark Ramirez of Palm Desert. Uriel Cruz of the Wildcats also made the finals at 126 pounds, where he lost a 3-0 decision to Salvador Bautista of Palm Desert. Another Paloma Valley finalist was Brandon Owen, who lost a major decision to Rocco Godinez of Centennial.
Other Paloma Valley wrestlers finishing in the top eight to earn a spot on the podium: Brayden Barr (fourth at 113 pounds); Anthony Martinez (third at 120); Nathan Salmeron (sixth at 138); Isaac Benavidez (sixth at 144); Dylan Gojich (fourth at 157); Izaac Esparza (third at 175); Lennon Tinahui (seventh at 190); Nathaniel Flores (seventh at 215).
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The boys team will compete in two weeks in the Battle for the Belt tournament, a prestigious event at Temecula Valley High School. The Paloma Valley girls team will compete at Napa next weekend and will host a dual meet event on Jan. 27.
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