LAKEPORT — Cody Banks of the Upper Lake High School wrestling team didn’t survive the first day of competition on Friday at the Tim Brown Invitational in Sacramento, so the 126-pounder jumped right back into the fray Saturday at the Michael Kroppmann Memorial Invitational in Lakeport.
And his perseverance paid off. Banks not only won the 126-pound weight class, but he pulled down outstanding lightweight honors during the annual tournament that honors a former state qualifier from Clear Lake High School who lost his battle with cancer in 2012.
Banks was joined at the Michael Kroppman by teammates Alex Serrano, Bradley Sneathen and Robby Harper. Sneathen, a natural 182-pounder, had to move up to 195 because there were no other 182-pounders competing in Lakeport. He still finished second. Serrano placed third at 138 pounds while Harper was sixth at 145 pounds.
Upper Lake placed fourth overall as a team.
The Cougars hosted Lower Lake in a Coastal Mountain Conference match on Wednesday. Results weren’t available as the Record-Bee went to press (check online at www.record-bee.com for results). Upper Lake will send its entire boys squad to the Puma Classic on Saturday at Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa. Upper Lake’s girls also are in action Saturday as they travel to Modesto for the Lady Eagles Invite.
