LJ wrestling: Four place at CIF

Senior 145-pounder Caden Kestler has his hand

raised after a devastating pin in 1:43

in the first period over Blake Noar (left)

of Guajome Park Academy at CIF Prelims

at Lincoln High Sat., Feb. 11. Kestler went on

to place third in his weight division to qualify

among the top six for CIF Masters Feb. 18.

(Photos by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

Four Viking wrestlers placed at the CIF Division 4 meet at Lincoln High Sat., Feb. 11, meaning they advance to the Master's meet in a week at Mission Hills High, as La Jolla's program continues its ascent to build and increase its influence.

Junior Gustav Rinaldi (162 pounds) in second place, freshman Noah Pace (108) and senior Caden Kestler (147) in third, and alternate sophomore Jack Long (172) in fifth, all finished among the top finishers in their respective weight divisions, qualifying them for the prestigious Master's event in six days.

Kestler (right) as he pins Noar in the first

round of the bracket. Caden registered

two more falls (pins) before being decisioned

narrowly, 9-7, then coming back to win

a 4-2 decision in consolation for his third

place finish.

Probably the biggest disappointment for La Jolla was that senior Charlie Long, a 163-pounder, developed skin lesions just prior to the postseason tourney, and thus was unable to compete. Head coach Kellen Delaney said he had expected Long, 24-8 in matches during the regular season, to go far in the CIF tournament.

Since COVID has loosened its grip on school activities and workouts, coaches Delaney and Kraig Feldman and their charges have continued to work diligently--utilizing their traditional, somewhat tiny Viking team room inside the Big Gym on campus--and have really seen collective and individual success abound this winter, blazing through a 5-0 Eastern League dual meet schedule before tackling the post-season at Lincoln.

"There are no shortcuts in wrestling," more than one wise mentor involved in the La Jolla grapplers' program has repeated over the years. That's evidenced in the disciplined young student-athletes the sport attracts, and their humble and team-oriented demeanor on the mat and as part of the program.

Viking Noah Pace (108, right) held Jason Brennan

of Mountain Empire in this controversial decision

that Pace did not have control because it was

outside the circle. (See line near Brennan's feet.)

Noah shortly after won by pin with 1:10 left

in the second period to advance

to the quarterfinals.