Local wrestlers make semis

Carson High coach Tim McCarthy said he was hoping that as many as three of his wrestlers could win medals at the NIAA-U.S. Bank 4A State Wrestling Championships.

The Senators have already made sure they will have at least three medalists after the first day. Carson's Eric Aguilera (103 pounds), Paul Carter (140) and Nick Shine (189) all advanced to today's semifinals on Friday at Las Vegas High.

Joining them in the semifinals will be Douglas High's Nate Bennett (171) and David Tingle (160) and Galena's Jeremiah Jones (heavyweight). Those who have advanced to the semifinals have clinched a top six finish and a medal.

In addition, all seven Carson wrestlers are still alive heading into today's action, which concludes with the championship finals at 7 p.m.

As a team, Carson also had a strong effort as it is in sixth place with 35 points. Right behind in seventh is Douglas with 34 points. Tournament favorite Las Vegas leads with 67.50 points and is followed by Centennial (54.50).

Aguilera provided the biggest surprise of the day as he upset Elko's Vern Gallegos, who place second at state last year, 9-8 in the quarterfinals. Aguilera overcame a 5-1 deficit by placing Gallegos on his back twice.

"It was definitely one of the biggest upsets of the day," Carson coach Tim McCarthy said.

Aguilera pinned Western's Jesse Cintora in his first match. Galena's Joel Rivadeneyra is also still alive at 103.

Shine gained revenge when he pinned Spanish Springs' Ty Bader in the quarterfinals. After leading Bader 12-4 in last week's Northern 4A meet, Shine was stunned when Bader came back to pin him.

Shine beat Rancho's Anthony Sims by major decision 15-2 in his first match. Douglas High's Grant Hall is also still alive at 189.

After finishing fifth at the zone meet and being seeded 13th in the state meet, Carter advanced to the semifinals after beating Rancho's Kyle Rasmussen 4-2 and Mojave's Chris Mills' 3-1. Also still alive at 140 is Galena's David Kirn.

Aguilera, Carter and Shine will all have tough matches in the semifinals. Aguilera will face Basic's Duane Gonzales, Carter will face Western's Jose Pineda, who placed third at state last year, and Shine will face Las Vegas High's Greg Gifford, who is ranked No. 5 in the nation.

"But we're wrestling well," McCarthy said. "Anything can happen."

McCarthy said Carson has a strong chance to meet its goal of finishing in the top 10. But McCarthy noted that the Senators had a strong first day last week at the zone meet. Carson led after the first day, but had to settled for third.

"So we have to make sure we come out with the same intensity as we did today," said McCarthy about wrestling as well today as Friday.

McCarthy said his team being in sixth place was impressive since it has only seven wrestlers.

Bennett pinned Rancho's Anthony Mia and beat Cimarron-Memorial's Tyler Parry by major decision 17-5 to reach the semifinals where he will have a tough draw as he will face Las Vegas High's Chris Gifford.

Tingle beat Rancho's Eric Pitts 5-0 and McQueen's Dan Tresley 8-4. He will face Las Vegas High's Evan Ellsworth in the semifinals.

Jones pinned Centennial's Franklin Cruz and beat Palos Verdes Justin Watcot 8-2. He will face Rancho's Ronald Patron in the semifinals. Douglas High's Joe Immers is also still alive at heavyweight.

Other Carson wrestlers still alive are Chris White (130), Chris Kotter (152), Joe Roman (145) and Josh Aguilar (171). Carson's Joe Neiman (112) qualified for the state meet, but couldn't compete due to an illness. Kotter will face Douglas High's D'Art Johnson today.

Other local wrestlers still alive are: Douglas High's Austin Beemer (112); Galena's Micah Parker (119); Galena's Spencer Christian (125), who will face Douglas High's Brad Johnson today; Galena's Kyle Knox (130); Galena's Justin Ellmaker (135); Douglas High's Dan Molina (215);