On Friday, February 13th, the Pitman High wrestling team became back to back CCC champions for the first time in the school’s 13 year existence. Coached by Adam Vasconcellos, six of Pitman’s wrestlers were able to win their weight group in the CCC. The six are: Isaiah Perez (113), Adam Velasquez (120), Angel Velasquez (132), Lorenzo Lewis (140), Gilbert Valadez (145) and Cristian Clementi (170).
Our wrestling team’s Central California Conference season officially started on January 7th, where they versed Golden Valley at home, facing what looked to be their strongest opponent coming into the season. Pitman won, of course, and they went on to go undefeated in league 5-0. Their toughest match was against Buhach Colony from Atwater but with the Velasquez brothers, Adam and Angel, who are the new additions to Pitman’s squad this year, Buhach and the rest of the league were no problem.
This year Pitman entered 11 tournaments, where they finished top 5, including a win at the Jim Roots Classic. For about 7 years Pitman has hosted their own tournament, “Rumble in The Jungle”. With about 40 schools “Rumble in the Jungle” has been one of the most competitive tournaments in the Central Valley. Senior Angel Velasquez was able to place 1st in his weight group at the tournament.
Senior Quentin Hernandez had this to say about the tournament “It’s always a big, competitive tournament with always a lot of talent fighting for the belt.”
With all this success Pitman was able to send 13 wrestlers to sections (divisionals). In sections freshman Isaiah Perez, senior Gilbert Valadez and both Angel and Adam Velazquez were able to advance to the California state finals. Senior Angel Velasquez actually won the section masters championship at 132lb, making himself the second ever to win it in the schools history.
These four wrestlers will now go on to state where they will battle to be the best in California. Great job Pitman and good luck guys!