Gators lead, but Wildcats prowl

On the first day of the Sunrise Region wrestling tournament Friday at Las Vegas High, the host Wildcats put 11 wrestlers into the semifinal round.

At the end of the day, however, it was Green Valley holding down first place with a 78-741/2 edge over the Wildcats. Basic and Liberty are tied for third with 46, and Foothill is fifth with 44.

"I'm excited. I thought we wrestled really well," Green Valley coach Jon Ferry said. "We have had our ups and downs this season, but this was a great way to start a regional tournament."

Leading eight Gators into the semifinals were Mason Saldana at 125 pounds and Daniel Allen at 152, who both went 2-0. Saldana won twice by pin. Semifinal winners today are guaranteed a berth in the Class 4A state meet Friday.

The top three regional finishers in each weight advance to state. Regional bouts resume at 10 a.m. today with a round of consolation matches. The championship round begins at 5:30 p.m.

Among Las Vegas' semifinalists are Alex Anciete (130), Napoleon Anciete (140), Tyler Pack (160) and heavyweight Austin Woo.

"It's been a good day," Wildcats coach Greg Gifford said. "The kids are fighting for every round."