Southern Section Masters Wrestling : Lawson Continues Quest for Third State Title Today

More than 200 wrestlers will compete for an opportunity to go to the state tournament next week in San Jose during the CIF Southern Section Masters wrestling meet today at Westminster High School. The top five wrestlers in each of the 13 weight classes will advance to the state tournament.

The Masters meet showcases the wrestlers who finished at the top of their weight classes in last week’s individual division meets, with five wrestlers from the 4-A and 3-A meets, four from 2-A, and two from 1-A advancing to today’s tournament at Westminster.

Unlike the divisional meets, however, no team scores will be kept at today’s competition.

Individuals expected to stand out at the Masters meet include Marina’s Ed Ruiz, the 122-pound 4-A champion; El Dorado’s Steve Lawson, the 194-pound 4-A champion; Capistrano Valley’s David Hynam, the 148-pound 3-A champion; and Sunny Hills’ Ed Regan, the 115-pound 2-A champion.

Lawson, 39-0 this season, is a two-time defending state champion. He won his state titles at 154 and 178 pounds, but wrestling at 194 has not affected his success. He was named the most valuable wrestler for the upper weight classes at last week’s 4-A meet.

Loara, the 4-A team champion, and Canyon each have five wrestlers in the meet looking to advance to the state tournament.

The Saxons’ Chris Wright, at 178 pounds, and the Comanches’ Dan Tisone (115) and Scott Homiczewski (heavyweight) all figure to challenge for the title in their classes.

“The kids that were champs last week (in the divisionals) won’t necessarily be champs this week,” Canyon Coach Gary Bowden said. “The competition is so good that even if a great wrestler is feeling sick or tired, he might not advance.

“Two years ago, we had Rocky Flint, who went on to be state champion, but he placed only fourth in the Masters meet, which should tell you just how good the competition is around here.”

Weigh-in for the wrestlers will be held from 7-8:30 a.m., with the preliminary matches starting at 9:30. The championship finals will begin about 4 p.m.

Prices are $4 for adults and $2.50 for children 12 and under.