LJ wrestling: Austin blazes way to 5th in Holtville tourney

Elliot Austin, at 128 pounds, has his hand raised
after the first of his four pins on the way
to 5th place of the 366-wrestler
Holtville Rotary Invitational.

By Ed Piper

La Jolla's Elliot Austin blazed his way to fifth place in the prestigious 55th Annual Holtville Rotary Invitational Tournament at 128 pounds Jan. 26-27, continuing his torrid wrestling this season.

The senior from England, who was named the Outstanding Wrestler in the lighter weight classes at the El Cajon Invitational last month, pinned four of his first five opponents--including a 33-second gem overpowering Matthew Castro of Kofa, Arizona, in the fifth round.

Austin, a veteran of martial arts who didn't wrestle as a freshman, also submitted Ralph Magsino of Olympian in 57 seconds in the fourth round, as he had to work his way back through the consolation bracket after falling to Ivan Miramontes of Steele Canyon, 9-6, in a heartbreaker quarterfinals match late Friday night in the first day of the two-day tourney.

Austin operates with surgical precision
in pin of his first opponent, Elias Gracia
of Helix, in one minute, 40 seconds.