| In
the frozen landscape of Great Falls Montana, the nations N.A.I.A.
colleges and universities found out want many in this state already
knew. California Community Colleges produce some very good
wrestlers. Competing in the fall, CCC wrestling is
perhaps the best kept secret in the sport. That is begining to
change. In all 10 former California Community College wrestlers
earned All American honors at the 2003 NAIA Nationals, including 3
champions!
2003 NAIA Nationals
Results 125 - Rick Guzman (Rio Hondo) Lindenwood University Jr. - 4th place Rick Aguirre (Moorpark) Menlo College Jr. - 6th place Isaac Pumarejo (Fresno City) Menlo Sr. - 7th place 149 - Saul Lucatero (Moorpark) Menlo College Sr. - CHAMPION (2xAll American) 157 - Joey Martinez (Skyline) Menlo College Sr. - 3rd place (2x All American) 165 - Eddie Lucatero (Moorpark) Menlo College Jr. - 5th place 174 - Larry Johnson (Bakersfield) Dickinson State Jr. - CHAMPION Brian Holt (Sierra) Lindenwood University Sr. - 7th place (2x All American) 184 - Joe Evano (Mt San Antonio) William Pen Sr. - CHAMPION (2xAll American) Shamar Pigg (Bakersfield) Dickinson State Jr. - 7th place 285 - Ben Flores (Moorpark) Menlo College Jr. - 4th place (2x NAIA All American) The race for the team title was tight with Missouri Valley College holding off defending champions Lindenwood University to be crowned National Champions. Fomer Skyline coach, Keith Spataro led Menlo to a 4th place finish in the programs second year! Top 5 Team Scores: 1. Missouri Valley 139.5 2. Lindenwood 134.5 3. Montana Southern 132.5 4. Menlo College 127.5 5. Southern Oregon 112.5 |