CONCORD — The Gladiators Wrestling Club kicked off the new year Sunday at the Mountain Clash in Concord, sending 19 wrestlers to Mount Diablo High School.
“It was nice to travel to a new wrestling association and get some matches for our kids against opponents we do not often see,” coach Peter Stephan said. “I was very happy with how Mount Diablo Wrestling Association (MDWA) ran their tournament.”
Although the Gladiators didn’t come home with any first-place medals, Stephan said they gained something even more valuable … experience.
“I thought our wrestlers did a fine job and had a lot of tough battles. Unfortunately we lost a few close matches but through their mistakes we learned a lot.”
Seconds went to Brantley Paminto, Maverick Paminto, Hannah Oweis, Joseph Szupello, Angel Barajas, Djoser Williams, Tyler Thorstenson and Crystal Pepper.
Bringing home thirds were Colin Harrison, Riley Givens and Laylong Barocio.
Fourth-place finishes went to Hector Barocio, Branson Whittle, Brayden Pamiinto, Hayden Janssen and Logun Whittle. Fifths went to Brian Cosigua, Tabius Indalecio and Zamod Jackson.
Stephan said he appreciated the support of his parents to transport their kids to the tournament despite a stormy weekend.
“The weather was not great at all on the way to the tournament but to see the dedication and commitment from the families means so much to the sport of wrestling,”Stephan said. “We drove around two hours to get to the tournament and ended up having the second-largest team at the Mountain Clash.”
The Gladiators continue their busy month this weekend as they compete at both Willits and Modesto. The following weekend they’ll be participating in the Enter the Den tournament in Ukiah.
