Five league champions
February 27, 2014
The Diamond Bar wrestling program has always produced one of the most talented teams on campus. Throughout the regular season, the team, which included female wrestlers freshman Belen Espinosa and sophomore Melody Palmer, easily defeated all opponent in the way.
On February 7, both Palmer and Espinosa competed in the CIF Northern Division Girls Wrestling Championship. Even with a shoulder injury, Palmer was able to pin her first opponent in the 106-pounds weight class in one minute. However, her season came to an end when she lost to Marjoree Fargas, the second place wrestler of the tournament. Espinosa, in the 126-pound category, had a tougher time, as she lost both of her matches.
With the disappointing first round exit in the CIF Division III Dual Championship to Perris Citrus Hill behind them, DB dominated the mats in the Hacienda League Finals, with five wrestlers becoming League Champions in their respected weight class. All 14 wrestlers of the team were qualified to compete in the CIF Individuals on February 22.
Finishing the season second place in the Hacienda League with an overall record of 5-2, the Brahmas came into the finals with high expectations. At 132 pounds, senior Jeremy Foo dominated every opponent in his way and became the first League Champion for DB.
After two consecutive third place finishes by sophomore Ian Campbell and junior Derrick Moss in the 138 and 145 pounds weight class, respectively, DB had six of the next seven wrestlers become League Champions. Seniors Aaron Oh and Keandre Johnson proved their skill as co-captains of the team, both finishing first in their respective weight class. Senior Aleksander Jimenez also won first place in the 152-pounds weight class. DB ended the competition with senior Carlos Delgado taking first in the 285-pounds weight division.
“Coming into today, each wrestler had the same mentality of trying to become League Champs in their weight class,” junior Jeffrey Lin said.
Foo and Johnson both placed second at CIF Individuals and will be heading onto CIF Masters.
