In a close finish, TJ was able to win their fifth straight league title in wrestling.
TJ Wrestling with the League Championship Trophy
On Saturday, February 4th TJ Wrestling won their fifth consecutive league title in five years with four champs: Juniors Marcus Allen, Layth Dieyleh, Noel Estrada, and Corey Hernandez.
“East really gave us a battle for the title. The gap between us and them was about 15 points, and then between us and third place was 80 points. Yet, we were missing a guy who couldn’t make it because of the snow and we don’t have a wrestler at the weight class of 220 pounds. Those cost us some points,” said Head Coach Mike Laurita.
TJ hosted the tournament in their own gym, but there was no difference in the eyes of Laurita. “The only real advantage we had over the other teams was an early weigh-in. We were there early and made sure that every guy weighed in correctly. Otherwise, we didn’t see a huge difference between here and another gym,” said Laurita.
The fifth league title doesn’t come as a surprise to Laurita, either. “We knew we were going to win league as soon as the season started. Guys were in the wrestling room working hard, and getting ready. The coaching staff knew at that point we had the best team in league,” said Laurita. Keeping league in mind, Laurita said he just had to make sure that all of the guys were ready. “It was just about staying sharp throughout the season. The team kept the league title in mind the entire season,” said Laurita.
The team now shifts its focus to the regional tournament. “The goal at regional is to go to state: that’s it. You should look for that at the tournament,” said Laurita. TJ faces an uphill battle with two top ten teams in their region. “Ponderosa and Rocky Mountain are the real powerhouses. We just have to place in the top four to make state,” said Laurita. Ponderosa has produced eight straight state title teams and had a wrestler named Jake Snider who won an individual state title all four years he was in high school (2007-2010). “They always put out a good team, and beating them will be tough,” said Laurita. The other mentioned team, Rocky Mountain, won its league title and had six wrestlers place. Ponderosa and Rocky Mountain seem to be the favorites for the region, but that doesn’t deter Laurita. “We’ll make it to state in my mind, and kids will definitely place,” said Laurita.
TJ begins wrestling against the region on Friday, February 10th at 3 p.m. at Legacy High School. This is only a varsity event.
