TOM’s Official 2012 Doc Buchanan Preview

Special to TOM from Adam Tirapelle

Willie Saylor, Editor

SICK!  The only word appropriate enough to describe the field at the 2012 Doc Buchanan Invitational on January 6-7in Clovis, California (I would also have accepted “filthy”).

With ninety-six teams representing six states, the Doc Buchanan has become one of the premier wrestling events in the United States, and likely the single toughest tournament on the West coast annually.  By maintaining its 32-man bracket roots with selective invites, it has become the “Ironman-style” tournament of the West.

Consider that California itself has over 870 schools and just a single-division state championship series. Compare it to the traditional Midwest: it has more high schools than Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska combined, which together have 22 state championship classifications.  Or compare it to the top wrestling area in the United States, and you still have more high schools than Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey combined, which together have six state championship classifications.  So while national prominence may be lacking, state-level recognition in the Golden State is a high hurdle in its own right.

There are 23 nationally ranked wrestlers set to compete in the 2012 Doc Buchanan Invitational according to The Open Mat’s (“T.O.M.”) December 22^nd rankings.  Additionally, there are 262 Top 40 ranked kids in California also set to compete at Doc B. That’s 19 wrestlers per weight class!  Add another 23 ranked wrestlers from Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, and North Carolina, and you have an event where the rubber meets the road very early.

 

The team race includes T.O.M.-ranked #5 Clovis and #18 Poway, along with HM Bakersfield.  But again when you look at the top teams in California, nearly all are represented which is unheard of for most states’ top individual regular season tournaments.  24 of the Top 30 ranked schools in California will be present, including #1 through #9.  Add #1 Roseburg in Oregon’s 6A class, #1 Cleveland in New Mexico’s 5A class, and #3 Ponderosa in Colorado’s 3A class and you have a dynamic field of teams ready to compete for what promises to be a hard-fought team championship.

Returning Doc Buchanan Individual Champions:
Last Yr Wt – Name (School), This Yr Projected Wt

103 – #6-Emilio Saavedra (Modesto), 113

112 – Jonas Gaytan (Clovis), 113

119 – #11-Daniel Gaytan (Clovis), 120

125 – #1-Alex Cisneros (Selma), 132 – 2x Champion

130 – #18-Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy), 138

140 – #2-Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore), 145

171 – #2-Nikko Reyes (Clovis West), 182

285 – #5-Nick Nevills (Clovis), 285

 

2011 Top 5 Teams:

1. Clovis – 220

2. Oakdale – 142.5

3. Selma – 102

4. Lemoore – 97.5

5. Gilroy – 96

Each individual championship will be hotly contested in 2012.  Here’s a break down the front-runners at each weight class:

106

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
2	1	Zahid Valencia	9	St. John Bosco
3	2	Johnson Mai	12	North Torrance
	3	Gionn Peralta	10	Vacaville
	4	Vincent Elizalde	10	Brawley
HM	6	Isaiah Hokit	9	Wasco
	8	Miguel Martinez	12	Madera
	12	Adrian Camposano	10	Central
	13	Tirso Lara	11	Poway
	14	Anthony Soto	12	Colony
	17	Juan Garza	11	Oakdale
	19	Troy Lakin	12	Clayton Valley
	21	Meng Xiong	12	Merced
	23	Juan Javier Jimenez	11	Porterville
	24	Jonathan Pena	11	Selma
	27	Christian Root	11	Temecula Valley
	29	Julian Gaytan	10	Clovis
	31	Carlos Herrera	9	Bakersfield
	32	Albert Rosas	10	Reedley
	37	Nick Vega	11	Villa Park
	38	Tristan Scott	10	Elk Grove
	39	Jesse Vasquez	9	Gilroy
	40	Roy Galvan	10	La Quinta

 

Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

	3 (6A)	Chad Jones	9	Roseburg-OR
#7	1 (5A)	Paul Mascarenas	11	Cleveland-NM

 

Contenders:

Look for Walsh Ironman Champ and #1 ranked freshman in the country Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco) and returning state champion Johnson Mai (North Torrance) to be on a collision course.  Valencia just eeked out a victory in their first encounter 5-4 and will look to best the Columbia-bound senior once again.  These are two of the most dynamic 106lbers in the country and are aptly ranked at #2 and #3 by T.O.M..  This battle should be a treat for the Doc Buchanan and for California wrestling fans all year long!

 

Trying to spoil the party will be returning state place winner Gionn Peralta (Vacaville) and returning qualifier Vincent Elizalde (Brawley).  Another two to watch will be super-frosh Isaiah Hokit (Wasco), already making a name for himself this season, and another rare senior at 106lbs, Miguel Martinez (Madera).

Dark Horses:

Watch out for 2x New Mexico State Champion and #7 Paul Mascarenas (Clevelend-NM) who has some solid national-level experience.  He looks to throw a wrench into the All-CA final.  Tirso Lara (Poway) has also started out the year hot and follows up a runner-up finish at the Reno TOC.

2011 Final @ 103: Emilio Saavedra (Pitman) dec Johnson Mai (North Torrance), 3-1

113

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
	1	Jonas Gaytan	11	Clovis
6	2	Emilio Saavedra	10	Modesto
8	3	Micah Perez	11	Central Union
14	4	Isaiah Locsin	10	Live Oak
HM	5	Mason Pengilly	10	Porterville
	7	Joseph Dominguez	9	St. John Bosco
	9	George Torres	12	La Quinta
	10	Gabe Faller	11	Poway
	13	Jordan Gurrola	11	North Torrance
	14	Arthur Carmona	12	Brawley
	15	Kioni Villalobos	12	Santa Fe
	16	Jose Navarro	12	Madera
	17	Chris Tamez	12	Clovis East
	20	Leif Dominguez	11	Gilroy
	21	Michael Knoblauch	10	Clovis West
	24	Jason De la Cruz	10	Buchanan
	26	Sean Williams	11	Lemoore
	28	Tom Yozzo	10	Amador Valley
	29	Brandon Carlos	12	Central
	31	Robbie Standley	11	Paso Robles
	32	Robert Romo	12	Apple Valley
	34	Jacob Lopez	12	Elk Grove

 

Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

	10 (6A)	Cole Van Anrooy	9	Roseburg-OR
	4 (5A)	Daniel Opferman		Ponderosa-CO

 

Contenders:

This weight class boasts 3 T.O.M. ranked wresters, two returning Doc Buchanan Champions, and 7 of the top 9 ranked wrestlers in the state.  Five returning state medalists will likely vie for the top spot at 113lbs.  Returning Doc Buchanan Champion Jonas Gaytan (Clovis) was 5^th at 112 a season ago and currently holds the #1 ranking.  He will be fiercely challenged by Emilio Saavedra (Modesto) – 3^rd at 103 and returning Doc Buchanan Champion, Micah Perez (Central Union) – 3^rd at 103 in 2010, Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak) – 2^nd at 103, and Mason Pengilly (Porterville) – 4^th at 103.

 

Dark Horses:

Look for Jordan Gurrola (North Torrance) and Jason De La Cruz (Buchanan) to make some noise in this deep weight class.

2011 Final @ 112: Jonas Gaytan (Clovis) dec Garrett Fortado (Oakdale), 5-2

120

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
17	2	Daniel Gaytan	12	Clovis
HM	4	Anthony Valencia	9	St. John Bosco
	5	Connor Pollock	12	Folsom
	7	Josh Miranda	12	Poway
	8	Victor Olmos	10	Gilroy
	11	Joseph Ramirez	12	De La Salle
	12	Corbin Lee	11	Mission San Jose
	13	Lupe Florez	12	Selma
HM	15	Kasey Klaus	11	Vacaville
	16	Brandon Rodriguez	12	Clovis West
	17	Nicholas Marquez	11	Foothill
	19	Ronnie Stevens	12	Oakdale
	20	Ricky Coster	10	Freedom
	25	Josh Lazaro	10	Bella Vista
	27	Lathan Liles	12	Rodriguez
	32	Abel Contreras	10	Porterville
	33	Matt Ontiveros	10	Central
	34	Jesse Calderon	11	La Quinta
	36	Oscar Marin	12	Bakersfield
	38	Armand Molina	9	Firebaugh

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

1 (5A)

Mac Borrego

12

Cleveland-NM

 Contenders:

The top dog at 120lbs will be T.O.M. #17, returning State Champion and Doc Buchanan Champion Daniel Gaytan (Clovis).  A host of challengers will try to unseat him including the other half of the freshman duo, Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco).  Valencia already has an 8^th place finish at the Walsh Ironman to his credit and a couple of victories over top ranked competition.  Josh Miranda (Poway) has been a state qualifier several times and is looking to get over the hump this season, more than capable of wrestling with the best.

Dark Horses:

Both Connor Pollock (Folsom) and Corbin Lee (Mission San Jose) have been wrestling well early in the season.  Also look out for Mac Borrego (Cleveland-NM) who has beaten some top national competition, including Southwest Showdown champ Deshaun Brown, on his way to a 1^st and 2^nd place finish in New Mexico.

2011 Final @ 119: Daniel Gaytan (Clovis) by fall over Stevan Knoblauch (Clovis West), 3:52

126

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
HM	1	Martin Ramirez	12	Elk Grove
HM	2	Josh Rodriguez	12	Righetti
HM	3	Javier Gasca III	11	Kingsburg
HM	4	Victor Lopez	11	Poway
HM	5	Jake Smith	12	Newark Memorial
	6	Paul Fox	10	Gilroy
	7	Joey Moita	12	De La Salle
	12	Martin Sandoval	11	Porterville
	13	Adrian Panduro	11	Corcoran
	14	Vicente Hernandez	12	Clovis
	17	Victor Trujillo	11	Bella Vista
	18	Jake Thompson	11	Liberty
	22	Johnny Zazueta	11	St. John Bosco
	25	Chris Pena	12	Santa Fe
	28	Bryce Martin	10	Bakersfield
	34	Jesse Harlan	12	Temecula Valley
	36	Artemio Flores	11	James Logan
	37	Casper Sherow	12	Carter

 Contenders:

This is an absolutely loaded weight class with 7 returning state medalists.  Marin Ramirez (Elk Grove) was 3^rd at 119 a year ago while Josh Rodriguez (Righetti) was 2^nd at 112.  No one should overlook Javier Gasca III (Kingsburg) who was ranked in the Top 3 all year a season ago at 119 before suffering a disappointing state tournament.  Victor Lopez (Poway) is back at Poway after a year away while Jake Smith (Newark Memorial) was a State Champion last season in Virginia, before deciding to test the waters in a slightly warmer state.  Paul Fox (Gilroy) has continued his impressive freshman season where he placed 8^th at 112 and Joey Moita looks to get back into form after placing 4^th two years ago at 103.

Dark Horses:

Not many spots remain after the top 7, but Martin Sandoval (Porterville) is athletic and dangerous.  Also Vicente Hernandez (Clovis) has been behind some stellar teammates and has already had a strong start to his senior season.

2011 Final @ 125: Alex Cisneros (Selma) dec Fabian Garcia (Turlock), 4-3 2ot

132

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
1	1	Alex Cisneros	12	Selma
	2	Patrick Phaysamone	12	Clovis East
	3	Micah Cruz	12	Bakersfield
HM	4	Ali Naser	11	El Camino Real
	5	Dillon Rocha	12	Lemoore
	6	Matthew Gay	12	Clovis
	7	Jon Jay Chavez	10	De La Salle
	8	Tim Maldonado	12	Los Osos
	11	Chris Garcia	10	Clovis West
	12	Aaron Gonzales	12	Gilroy
	13	Jacob Pratt	12	Newark Memorial
	14	Ralphie Tovar	9	Poway
	16	Roman Garcia	12	Freedom
	17	Blake Borges	12	El Molino
	21	Austin Solari	11	Liberty
	32	Sean Melton	12	Ponderosa
	33	Matthew Bettencourt	12	Elk Grove
	35	Christian Eber	12	Merced
	36	Tyler Noon	11	Oakdale
	38	Brandon Campbell	12	Simi Valley

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

5 (6A)

Brody Faas

11

Roseburg-OR

 Contenders:

#1-Alex Cisneros (Selma) is the class of the field, still fending off his first loss to California competition and already a 3x CA State Champion.  His path to the finals will not be an easy one with all 8 of the Top 8 wrestlers in the state projected to compete.  Patrick Phaysamone (Clovis East) has gotten off to a dynamite start this season after falling short in 2011.  Micah Cruz (Bakersfield) and Ali Naser (El Camino Real) are both returning state medalists and could challenge for the top spot.  Dillon Rocha (Lemoore) and Matthew Gay (Clovis) were both qualifiers in 2011 and look to compete with the top guns at this weight.

Dark Horses:

Watch out for a breakout sophomore year by Jon Jay Chavez (De La Salle) and already off to a fast start is freshman Ralphie Tovar (Poway).  Tim Maldonado (Los Osos) could be right in the mix as well.

2011 Final @ 130: Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy) dec Juan Salas (Clovis), 8-5

138

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
17	1	Shayne Tucker	11	Bella Vista
14	2	Natrelle Demison	12	Bakersfield
18	3	Nicolas Villarreal	10	Gilroy
	4	Adam Pain	12	Rodriguez
	5	Brian Sergi	12	College Park
	10	Antonio Perez	10	Central Union
	12	Jesse Taylor	12	Poway
	13	Devin Everk	12	Clovis
	14	Dolin Mininni	12	Morro Bay
	15	Alfred Murabito	12	Saratoga
	18	CJ Valenzuela	12	Madera
	20	Xavier Johnson	12	Liberty
	21	Tyler Zimmer	10	Clovis West
	30	Ward Beecher	11	Upper Lake
	32	Hayden Fry	10	Vacaville
	37	Austin Braddock	12	Simi Valley
	39	Mason Koshiyama	9	Folsom

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

HM

1 (6A)

Reed Van Anrooy

11

Roseburg-OR

 Contenders:

The top three at this weight may be in a class of their own – all nationally ranked and all looking for their first state championship.  Shayne Tucker (Bella Vista) had an incredible run at the Reno TOC, knocking off Demison, (Micah) Cruz, and Villarreal on his way to the title and thus has the #1 spot.  Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield) is looking for redemption this week and his first Doc Buchanan Championship after losing in overtime in the finals last season.  Nicholas Villarreal (Gilroy) was a Doc Buchanan Champion as a freshman and carried that to a 3^rd place state finish.  He’ll have his work cut out to repeat this season.

Dark Horses:

With such a strong Top 3, everyone else is more of a dark horse.  But watch for returning state medalist Adam Pain (Rodriguez) and another top out-of-stater, Reed Van Anrooy (Roseburg-OR) coming off a runner-up finish at the Reno TOC and two Oregon state finals appearances.  Also watch for Sergio Enloe (Clovis) who has come on strong to start the season.

2011 Final @ 135: Chris Mecate (Redlands East Valley) dec Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield), 6-4 ot

145

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
2	1	Isaiah Martinez	11	Lemoore
	2	Adam Hendrickson	12	Healdsburg
	4	Maxx Ramirez	12	Bakersfield
HM	5	Willie Fox	12	Gilroy
	7	Jason Ladd	11	Clovis
	8	Kai Loechler	12	Vacaville
	10	Luke Wilson	12	Righetti
	13	Nick Fiegener	10	Folsom
	15	Racelis Cardenas	12	Buchanan
	18	Adrian Gomez	12	Corcoran
	19	Josue Hernandez	12	Madera South
	24	Joseph Duran	12	Porterville
	25	Trevor Behr	12	South Hills
	26	Corey Griego	10	Sultana
	27	Leonel Mendez	11	Temecula Valley
	28	Josh Egli	12	Poway
	30	Jarad Watts	12	La Quinta
	32	Abel Robles	12	San Leandro
	35	Sam Fowler	11	Bella Vista
	37	Joey Avila	12	College Park
	39	Kevan Garcia	11	Paso Robles
	40	Peyton Russum	11	De La Salle

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

HM		Alex Aniciete	11	Las Vegas-NV
	2 (6A)	Ian Thomas	10	Roseburg-OR
	4 (5A)	John Lewis		Ponderosa-CO

 Contenders:

One of the few weights where there is a dominant wrestler, Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore) looks for his 2^nd Doc Buchanan Championship and his 2^nd individual State Championship.  He comes into the tournament ranked #2 in the nation.  2x Nevada State Champion Alex Aniciete (Las Vegas-NV) will look to add to the family’s Doc Buchanan Championship total after brother Napoleon took home the title in 2011.  Martinez will also be challenged by 2x state medalist Adam Hendrickson (Healdsburg) and returning state medalist Maxx Ramirez (Bakersfield).  Also challenging will be one of the best wrestlers in California without a state medal to his name, Willie Fox (Gilroy), who has experienced incredibly poor post-season luck.

Dark Horses:

True dark horses in Trevor Behr (South Hills) and Cory Griego (Sultana) have a firepower to hang with the best at this weight.  Also watch out for Ian Thomas (Roseburg-OR) who is ranked #2 in Oregon.

2011 Final @ 140: Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore) dec Shane Yacuta (Porterville), 12-5

152

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
	2	Keaton Subjeck	11	Oak Ridge
7	3	Coleman Hammond	11	Bakersfield
	4	Alex Abono	12	De La Salle
	9	Kyle Perrault	11	Clovis East
	10	Isaiah Morfin	12	Selma
	12	Colby Thompson	12	Clovis
	16	Christopher Matis	12	Casa Roble
	18	Jovan Villalobos	11	Alisal
	19	Ryan Gasvoda	12	Los Gatos
	21	Sam Duchene	12	Simi Valley
	23	Wilbur Solares	12	Granada Hills
	25	Kent Beecham	12	Morro Bay
	28	Isaias Diaz	12	Folsom
	29	Oscar Corona	11	Foothill
	33	Matt Brislawn	12	Villa Park
	34	Braulio Banuelos	12	Poway
	35	Gregory Pagela	10	Porterville
	36	Dillon Crouch	12	Santa Fe
	40	Shayan Shahangian	11	El Camino Real

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

3 (6A)

Hector Mandera

12

Roseburg-OR

 Contenders:

Though he had a disappointing state finish a year ago, Coleman Hammond (Bakersfield) rebounded strongly at the NHSCA Nationals and Junior Freestyle Nationals.  He’s off to a strong start this season, ranked #7 by T.O.M., and with a Reno TOC title under his belt.  Challenging Hammond will be the wrestler who eliminated him at the State Championships last season, Keaton Subjeck (Oak Ridge), as well as state place winner Alex Abono (De La Salle).  Look for Isaiah Morfin (Selma) and Kyle Perrault (Clovis East) to be in the mix, as well as Colby Thompson (Clovis).

Dark Horses:

Matt Brislawn (Villa Park) may be a dark horse at this weight after a successful first part of the season.  Also keep an eye on Hector Mandera (Roseburg-OR) ranked #3 in Oregon’s 6A class.

2011 Final @ 145: Michael Gonzalez (Sultana) dec David Meza (Buena Park), 9-5

160

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
3	1	Joey Davis	12	Santa Fe
15	2	Victor Pereira	12	Newark Memorial
	3	Adrian Salas	11	Clovis
	4	Dustin Harris	12	Oakdale
	5	Matt Tsarnas	12	Healdsburg
	7	Michael Martinez	12	Wasco
	11	Stevie Cervantes	11	Poway
	16	Charles Yllan	12	Madera South
	19	Caleb Austin Flores	9	Clovis North
	20	Kevin Milner	12	Liberty
	24	Trevor Wright	12	Winters
	31	Jaime Martinez	11	Lemoore
	36	Devon Aiello	11	De La Salle
	40	Connor McClellan	11	El Camino Real

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

1 (6A)

Javier Mandera

12

Roseburg-OR

 Contenders:

A couple of big names headline the 160lbs field including a potential rematch of the 2011 State Final at 152.  Joey Davis (Santa Fe) has made great strides in the past year with a State Championship and FloNational Championship to propel him into the #3 national ranking.  Victor Pereira comes off of a runner-up finish (to Davis) and already added a Walsh Ironman placing to his resume this season.  Adrian Salas (Clovis) is the only other returning medalist at the weight class and will challenge the top two for a finals appearance.  Watch for Javier Mandera (Roseburg-OR) to be in the mix as well, coming off of a state runner-up finish in Oregon a year ago and already a placing at Reno TOC this season.

Dark Horses:

Trevor Wright (Winters) and Devon Aiello (De La Salle) could be wrestlers to watch at this weight class.

2011 Final @ 152: Napoleon Aniciete (Las Vegas-NV) dec Victor Pereira (Newark Memorial), 5-3

170

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
2	1	Zach Nevills	12	Clovis
7	2	Connor King	12	Poway
14	3	James Wilson	12	McNair
13	4	Silas Nacita	12	Bakersfield
	5	Jonathan Solano	11	Los Osos
	6	Jesse Whalen-Orona	12	Carlsbad
	7	Josh McFadden	12	Central Union
	9	Dylan Morris	12	Redwood
	13	Scott Votino	11	Elk Grove
	17	Josh Karam	11	Clovis North
	19	Orion Cosce	12	Hoopa
	20	Richard Nevearez	12	Amador Valley
	23	Nick Troquato	11	Ponderosa
	27	Nick Callender	10	Clovis East
	28	Aaron Pease	11	De La Salle
	36	Taylor Ellerman	12	Oak Ridge
	37	Austin Welty	12	Thousand Oaks
	40	Devon Nooner	11	Folsom

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

HM		Steven Elicegui	12	Wooster-NV
	3 (5A)	Thad Gallegos		Ponderosa-CO
	1 (5A)	Jake King	12	Cleveland-NM

 Contenders:

One of the toughest weights in the tournament, 170lbs boasts 4 nationally ranked wrestlers!  Zach Nevills (Clovis) is T.O.M. #2 as a 3x state place winner and Doc Buchanan runner-up last season.  T.O.M. #7 Conner King (Poway) has relocated from Colorado where he was a State Champion a year ago.  Silas Nacita (Bakersfield) is T.O.M. #13 and comes off a 4^th place state finish in 2011.  T.O.M. #14 James Wilson (McNair) is a 2x state medalist, also finishing 4^th in 2011.  Add in 2x Nevada State Champion HM-Steven Elicegui (Wooster-NV) and you have one of the toughest 170lbs brackets in any tournament this season.

Dark Horses:

It’s tough to find a dark horse with such a strong group, but Dylan Morris (Redwood-Larkspur) or Jake King (Cleveland-NM), #1 in New Mexico’s 5A class.

2011 Final @ 160: Vince Waldhauser (Oak Ridge) dec Dylin Rodriguez (Sanger), 9-2

182

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
2	1	Nikko Reyes	12	Clovis West
	2	Paul Yoo	12	Cypress
	3	Ryan Davies	12	Clovis
	4	Jordan Sepeda	11	Natomas
	5	Brett Sayre	12	Temecula Valley
	6	Mike Tenorio	12	Firebaugh
	7	Kyle Pope	12	Bakersfield
	12	Anthony Ballinger	12	Apple Valley
	15	Brit Bastow	12	Poway
	16	Ricardo Sandoval	12	Healdsburg
	17	Chris Lai	11	Vacaville
	21	Gabe Tulchinsky	12	Freedom
	25	Taryn Christiansen	11	El Molino
	30	Spencer Thiessen	12	Villa Park
	31	Chase Eskam	10	Carlsbad
	32	Juan Valladares	12	Madera South
	39	David Permito	12	James Logan

 Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

	4 (6A)	Selmar Hutchins	12	Roseburg-OR
	1 (5A)	Mich Napier	12	Cleveland-NM

 Contenders:

Nikko Reyes (Clovis West) headlines the 182lbs group and is one of only T.O.M. #2’s in the tournament.  As a returning Doc Buchanan Champion and returning State Champion, he will be tough to best.  Looking forward to the challenge are returning state place winner Paul Yoo (Cypress) and 3^rd ranked Ryan Davies (Clovis), getting an opportunity at his first full-time varsity action after playing backup to some outstanding wrestlers.  Jordan Sepeda (Natomas) comes off of a big year and a Sac Joaquin Section title and hopes to have a breakout junior season.

Dark Horses:

Look for Kyle Pope (Bakersfield) to make some big noise, now at a weight by choice.  Mich Napier (Cleveland-NM) could also be a sleeper as a 2x New Mexico state place winner.

2011 Final @ 170: Nikko Reyes (Clovis West) dec Zach Nevills (Clovis), 5-3

195

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
	2	Dakota Gordon	12	Clovis
	4	Kyle Lincoln	12	Yosemite
	5	Khymba Johnson	12	Center
	6	William Gockel-Figge	12	Simi Valley
	7	Jack Murphy	12	Frontier
	8	Elder Cruz	12	La Habra
	9	Florencia Vega	12	Clovis East
	10	Nate Lopez	11	Lemoore
	11	Danny Knox	12	Carlsbad
	13	Jeramy Sweany	10	Vacaville
	17	Lenny Pedraza	12	Madera
	19	Tim Chassen	11	Poway
	25	Kenny Porter	12	Sultana
	26	Donnell Sims	12	Weston Ranch
	27	Tevenn Lewis	12	Folsom
	30	Emery Gray	12	Merced
	31	Grant Graham	10	Saratoga
	32	Preston Dean	12	Oak Ridge
	35	Jordan Pyzer	12	Clovis North

Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

		Broc Westlake	12	Reed-NV
16		Jesse Doyle	12	Wheatmore-NC

Contenders:

Surprisingly, 195lbs is shaping up to be one of the strongest fields in the tournament.  Jesse Doyle (Wheatmore-NC) is the headliner here ranked #16 by T.O.M. and a multiple-time North Carolina State Champion, as well as a commit to Iowa State next season.  He will be challenged by returning state medalist Dakota Gordon (Clovis) who really emerged at the Doc Buchanan last season, narrowly tasting defeat to a heavily favored finals opponent.  Also looking to challenge and starting off the season strong are Khymba Johnson (Center), William Gockel-Figge (Simi Valley), and Elder Cruz (La Habra).  In all, you have 9 of the Top 11 California ranked wrestlers in this bracket.

Dark Horses:

Broc Westlake (Reed-NV) could be a surprise here as a Nevada State Champion last year.  Jeramy Sweany (Vacaville) could make some noise at this weight as well.

2011 Final @ 189: Luke Sheridan (De La Salle) dec Dakota Gordon (Clovis), 4-3

220

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
	2	Justin Walker	12	De La Salle
	3	John Everard	12	Etiwanda
	5	Josh Letuligasenoa	12	Elk Grove
	8	Rudy Amaya	12	Foothill
	9	Sean Medley	11	Wasco
	10	Richard Durr	12	Poway
	13	Eric Mendoza	12	Madera
	14	Alex Encarncion	12	College Park
	18	Chumkaur Dhaliwal	11	James Logan
	21	Andrew Sanchez	12	Golden West
	22	Deonte Willis	12	Paso Robles
	23	Gannon Del Fierro	12	Clovis East
	28	Charles Rassel	12	Carlsbad
	33	Cortes Morales	10	Clovis West
	34	Kyle Martinez	12	Pitman
	36	Jason Price	11	Hoopa

Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

16		Spencer Empty	11	Reed-NV
	2 (6A)	Ben Goirigolzarri	12	Roseburg-OR

Contenders:

Like 195lbs, 220lbs is headlined by another out-of-stater in T.O.M. #16 Spencer Empty (Reed-NV), a Nevada State Champion and recent Reno TOC Champion.  Justin Walker (De La Salle) may not be ready yet as his season starts unbearably late, always a part of De La Salle’s championship football runs.  If not, JJ Everard (Etiwanda) and Josh Letuligasenoa (Elk Grove) are right behind and ready to challenge.  Ben Goirigolzarri (Roseburg-OR) is ranked 2^nd in Oregon’s 6A class and comes off of a Reno TOC runner-up finish.

Dark Horses:

Watch for Sean Medley (Wasco) to have a breakout junior season after battling with the big boys for two years.  Richard Durr (Poway) is as powerful as any in the field along with Deonte Willis (Paso Robles).

2011 Final @ 215: AC Brown (Oakdale) dec Jeff Vargas (South Hills), 3-1

285

Top 40 Ranked CA Wrestlers:

T.O.M.	St Rnk	Name	Grade	School
5	1	Nick Nevills	10	Clovis
18	2	John Schupp	12	Vacaville
	3	Mike Lowman	12	Foothill
	4	Jordan Alleva	12	Folsom
	5	Robert Chism	12	Downey
	6	Kelly Simmons	12	Poway
	7	David Trujillo	12	Villa Park
	9	Jordan Olgin	12	Foothill
	11	Eric Chavez	12	Healdsburg
	15	Jaharee Taylor	11	Elk Grove
	16	Jose Lara	12	Gilroy
	17	Narcisco Juarez	12	Sanger
	21	John Popek	12	Frontier
	25	Chris Alonso	12	Central Union
	27	Mark Trevino	12	Corcoran
	28	Jonathan Roa	11	Lemoore
	34	Kenneth Clark	11	Carter
	40	Andrew Avila	12	Clovis West

Out-of-State Ranked Wrestlers:

		Lahmad Evans	11	Las Vegas-NV
	3 (6A)	Marq Randall	12	Roseburg-OR

Contenders:

Two nationally ranked heavyweights lead the big boys with last year’s freshman sensation Nick Nevills (Clovis) leading the charge.  T.O.M. #4 Nevills was a Doc Buchanan Champion and a State Champion as a freshman, setting himself up as a possible 4x Doc Buchanan Champion with only 3 other names in the 35-year history of the tournament.  T.O.M. #20 John Schupp broke through last season with a 5^th place state finish and will push Nevills all year for the title.  Heavyweight is deep with Mike Lowman (Foothill-Sacramento), Jordan Alleva (Folsom), Robert Chism (Downey), Kelly Simmons (Poway), and David Trujillo (Villa Park) all having the firepower to win the title.

Dark Horses:

Watch out for Jordan Olgin (Foothill-Bakersfield) as one of the most athletic heavyweights in the field.  Lahmad Evans (Las Vegas-NV) could also pose some problems as a 3^rd place finisher in Nevada as a sophomore.

2011 Final @ 285: Nick Nevills (Clovis) dec Steven Wood (Lemoore), 5-2 2ot

TEAMS

#	TEAM	SECTION
1	Clovis	Central
2	Bakersfield	Central
3	Poway	San Diego
4	De la Salle	North Coast
5	Gilroy	CentralCoast
6	Vacaville	Sac Joaquin
7	St. John Bosco	Southern
8	Elk Grove	Sac Joaquin
9	Lemoore	Central
11	Healdsburg	North Coast
12	Clovis West	Central
13	Clovis East	Central
14	Newark Memorial	North Coast
15	Selma	Central
16	Folsom	Sac Joaquin
18	Santa Fe	Southern
19	Central Union	San Diego
20	Bella Vista	Sac Joaquin
22	Frontier	Central
23	Righetti	Southern
25	Oakdale	Sac Joaquin
27	North Torrance	Southern
28	Wasco	Central
30	Madera	Central
1 (6A)	Roseburg	Oregon
3 (5A)	Ponderosa	Colorado
1 (5A)	Cleveland	New Mexico

Contenders:

There has been more talk of teams in the West this year after last year’s finish by Clovis and Bakersfield, #7 and #8 in the final T.O.M. rankings respectively.  This year, Clovis leads the way nationally at #6 while #19 Poway has already made their mark with a record-setting Reno TOC performance and a stable full of young, but presumably ready, talent.  As of this writing, Poway may not be at full strength for the Doc Buchanan, but it will nonetheless be a great showcase of top teams in the state.  Bakersfield checks in at Honorable Mention nationally, just outside the Top 25, but is typically deliberate about building toward their post-season run.  The top 3 teams will be difficult to outscore but the competition is plentiful.

Teams like De La Salle, Vacaville, and Elk Grove are all solid and deep enough to score well at the Doc Buchanan.  St. John Bosco is new on the scene with 3 fabulous freshman and due to the increasing strength of the tournament, they may have enough to contend at the top.  Look for Gilroy to follow the same mold as St. John Bosco, only they’ve been doing it for years.

Dark Horses:

All the way down to #16 in the state, only 1 team is missing from this year’s field.  With 15 of the top teams in the state, you’re going to see a state-tournament like atmosphere from the opening whistle.  Watch for a very strong, senior-laden Folsom team to make some noise and finish higher than their #16 ranking.

Also look out for the first real test from out-of-state competition.  Roseburg is a perennial state championship team in Oregon’s 6A division and this is their 1^st Doc Buchanan Invitational appearance.  Also making their first appearance is Cleveland, the #1 ranked team in New Mexico’s 5A division.  Ponderosa is ranked 3^rd in 5A Colorado, but has won many previous state titles.  We welcome the challenge from the surrounding states and look to see how the best from California stack up against some of the best in the West.