James Logan Wrestling’s season has come to an end, after Logan’s five qualifiers to state were bounced out after the first day of the tournament.
Logan Wrestling will extend its drought of not having a state placer to four years. Logan has had top wrestlers the past years; which were all capable of placing at state, but none would leave with a medal. This has been the most wrestlers qualified in recent years to state, with five. The qualifying wrestlers were Kristian Blanco (103), Lawrence Blanco (112), Eric Perez (119), Danny Mai (125) and Toni Pole (215).
At 103 lbs, NCS Finalist Kristian Blanco went 1-2. He lost his first match in the out bracket round, but was able to get a win in the first round of consolations, with a pin. He would lose his second match, which eliminated him and ended his successful career. Senior Eric Perez, the 119 lbs wrestler, did not have the tournament he hoped for, as he went 0-2. Fresh off a NCS title, junior Danny Mai came in on fire. His roll would end, as he also would go 0-2.
Junior Toni Pole had a decent showing at his first state tournament. Pole would pin his first two opponents and make it to the third round, where he would lose to the eventual state finalist. He finished 2-2 where he gained valuable experience for next year. Logan’s best bet for a medal was at the 112-weight class with 2xNCS champ Lawrence Blanco. Blanco started off strong with two straight pins. He would lose a heartbreaker in overtime, which hurt him a lot. He lost his next match, which ended his aspirations of a state title and his very successful career in NCS.
“After that overtime match, I was heartbroken. It really affected me and I took it to my next match. I’m going to miss wrestling, the tournaments and the training. It’s going to be hard, but at least I get to eat now”, Blanco said.
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