By Tiffany Feng
Staff Writer
For the fourth time in four years, Costa boys wrestling advanced to the California Interscholastic Federation Division Dual Championships Finals.
Mira Costa High School’s wrestling team competed in the CIF Dual Championships on Feb. 3, and defeated Basset 55-24, Indian Springs 49-11 and Coachella Valley 36-34 at Redondo Union High School. The team advanced to finals against Valencia, but ended up falling short, losing 42-36 to finish in second place.
“I feel like it was ours to take, so there is disappointment, but I am also proud of all the kids,” coach Jimmy Chaney said. “We finished first and second every year for the last four years, and for that I think we have a lot to be proud of, despite this loss.”
Top performers included junior Tyler Gordon and seniors Will Curtis and Hanul Kim. The team did a great job, but came short during the finals, Gordon said.
“It always feels bad losing in the finals, but I can’t be mad about how I performed,” Gordon said. “This tournament showed that everyone is so excited about what’s in store next year.”
Wrestling in the 140 pound weight division, Gordon dominated on the mat for a total of four matches. Gordon was able to defeat all of his opponents with pins and finished the tournament with an undefeated record of 4-0.
“I think I performed very well,” Gordon said. “I prepared for this tournament which paid off, and I also just changed my strategy mentally. Doing this changed my mindset which also helped me win my matches.”
Curtis competed in the 147 pound weight division, also finishing 4-0. Curtis participated in a total of four matches, pinning three of his opponents and defeating another by technical fall, a victory condition satisfied by outscoring one’s opponent by 15 points. Overall, none of Curtis’s opponents were able to score any points against him.
“I think I performed very well for my team. I gained a pin in the finals when we really needed it,” Curtis said. “I have been practicing and working very hard all year, and I think it really showed. It was disappointing to come up short, but the team and I felt we gave it our best chance.”
Kim, who wrestled in the 160 pound weight division, went 2-0 in the dual meets, acquiring two pins as well.
“I did all I could to help the team but overall we did very well,” Kim said. “I’m very happy with how far we reached this year.”
The Mustangs finished second overall in the tournament and currently hold a 7-1 record. Wrestlers who place at League Finals on Feb. 8 will go on to compete at CIF Individuals, which begins on Saturday at Temecula High School.
“I’m expected to go on to CIF where it will be my goal to at least place,” Curtis said. “I believe I’m very prepared, and so are my teammates. Costa has trained us well, and I’m very excited for the hard work to pay off.”
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