LAKEPORT — After nearly two years of inactivity, the Clear Lake High School wrestling team returned to the mats Saturday as hosts of the annual Coastal Mountain Conference Novice Tournament in Lakeport.
Now under the direction of first-year head coach Tyler Hayes, the Cardinals entered 15 boys and girls in the tournament, which is designed for new wrestlers or those with limited varsity experience. Several came away with medals.
“We weren’t even sure if we were going to have a season or what it would look like,” said Hayes, a Clear Lake alum. “The middle school wrestlers (now freshmen) missed two years as their 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons were canceled due to COVID. I’m excited to watch these kids progress and grow through the season.”
Clear Lake wrestlers securing first-place medals were Mustafa Akbari, 3-0 at 132 pounds; Liam Davis, 3-0 at 160 pounds; and Anthony Gersalia, 3-0 at 195 pounds.
Claiming second-place medals were Asher Reese, 2-1 at 160 pounds, his only loss to teammate Davis in the finals, and to Sophia Percaccio, 2-1 in the 116-pound girls bracket.
Third-place medals went to Orel Gosman at 132 pounds and Hayden Fowler at 152 pounds, both 3-1.
Clear Lake travels to American Canyon on Saturday to compete in the 16-team American Canyon Classic.
