Thursday, January 25, 2024

LJ wrestling: Rinaldi 175-pound league champ

Viking Gustav Rinaldi (red singlet) is relentless
in applying pressure as he pins the Saints'
175-pounder, Evan Perez, in just under
a minute and a half.
(Photos by Ed Piper)


By Ed Piper

Senior Viking Gustav Rinaldi--team captain, master tactician, and relentless attacker--completed his sweep of Western League opponents by pinning Evan Perez of St. Augustine in one minute, 29 seconds during La Jolla's final dual meet of the 2024 campaign Wednesday evening, Jan. 24.

In so doing, the defending 2023 Eastern League champ took the 175-pound title of the Western League, one step up from the Eastern, having defeated all opponents in dual meets this season.

Rinaldi, self-effacing and shy about media coverage of his wrestling feats, accepted congratulations for his weight division championship after the meet at the North Park school. The individual title was even more impressive in that Gustav accomplished it in the tough Western League, after La Jolla was moved up following a team title last year.

Another candidate for all-Western League is Noah Pace, the Vikings' 113-pound specialist. He was ill and unable to perform during part of La Jolla's dual meet schedule. As a result, he may be able to wrestle a run-off against a Western League competitor Sat., Jan. 27, at Lincoln High in the City Conference Championships event, according to Viking head coach Kellen Delaney.

Rinaldi has his arm raised
following the 1:29.2 pin.


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