Four Natomas-area wrestlers advance to section Master’s meet
From left, Nicko Chapman (152 pounds), Isaac Mendoza (220) and Ruben Escalante (126) show off their DIII medals as all three become the first Inderkum Divisional champions in school history. / Photo: T. Horn
BY TREVOR HORN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
ROCKLIN – This season nothing is keeping Inderkum High senior Ruben Escalante off the mat.
Earlier in the week, Escalante was gearing up for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III championships. He was going head-to-head – literally – with Sheldon High School wrestler Ethan Brewer during practice when the two wrestlers’ foreheads collided. Escalante came a way with an inch-wide gash above his right eye.
On Saturday, wearing a black mask over his face to protect the cut, Escalante pinned Trevor Welsh of River Valley High School in the second round to earn his first DIII title – also the first in Inderkum school history.
“It feels good. All of my hard work is finally starting to pay off,” Escalante said. “I’ve been trying to get this since my sophomore year. Last year was an upset for me. But this – it feels good.”
The top-four wrestlers at each weight class from the DIII championships on Saturday advance to the section Master’s meet on Feb. 28-March 1 in Stockton. Three Inderkum wrestlers and one from Natomas High School are among the competitors advancing to Master’s.
“If you just look at the growth we’ve had coming from last year from placing last in the league tournament,” Inderkum coach August Wesley said. “The team has really turned it around. I am excited about getting good representation at Master’s next weekend.”
After Escalante became the first Tiger to win a DIII title, sophomore Nicko Chapman pinned Landon Croissant of Lincoln High School to win the 152-pound title.
“I am really excited and now really focused on state,” said Chapman.
The last Inderkum wrestler who competed in the finals said he didn’t want to let his teammates down – and he didn’t. Junior Isaac Mendoza went the distance and defeated Austin Reynolds of El Camino High School 2-0 for the 220-pound title.
“I was coming in a little unconfident (sic), but once the match started I felt more confident and I was able to tough it out,” Mendoza said.
Added Wesley: “They all stepped up. They challenged each other to make school history. It just shows we are taking the proper steps to build a legacy over at Inderkum.”
Andrew Naranja (113 pounds), Nemo Chapman (132), Miles Miller (138) and Ken Pettis (285) all placed in the top-six, but failed to qualify for Master’s. Pettis was considered a lock to advance to Master’s, but was late to the tournament, missed the weigh-ins and could not wrestle on Saturday. Inderkum finished fifth overall in team scoring.
Natomas High junior Juan Ramirez finished in second place at 285 and will advance to Master’s; teammate Elijah Montue finished in sixth place at 145 pounds.
Contact Trevor Horn at [email protected] and on Twitter @trevhorn.
Ruben Escalante, Inderkum senior at 126 pounds, stands on the podium as the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champion on Saturday at Whitney High School in Rocklin. / Photo: T. Horn
Nicko Chapman, Inderkum sophomore at 152 pounds, stands on the podium as the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champion on Saturday at Whitney High School in Rocklin. / Photo: T. Horn
Isaac Mendoza, Inderkum junior at 220 pounds, stands on the podium as the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champion on Saturday at Whitney High School in Rocklin. / Photo: T. Horn
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