Fallon wrestles strong in Las Vegas

Five wrestlers never lost a match as the Greenwave flexed its muscles in Southern Nevada over the weekend.

Fallon finished 4-2 in the two-day Mustang Stampede tournament, losing to Canyon View, Utah, and the host, Shadow Ridge of Las Vegas. Fallon next competes in the two-day Reno Tournament of Champions this weekend at the Reno Events Center.

“As a team, I saw us get excited for each other during matches and really focus on the team rather than themselves,” Fallon coach Trevor de Braga said. “We have a great group of guys who are tight-knit and want to be the best.”

Fallon defeated Desert Oasis (LV), 66-30; Jordan, Utah, 35-30; Eldorado, (LV) 60-6; and Alta, Utah. 44-39, but lost to Canyon View, Utah, 48-35; and Shadow Ridge, 36-24. Fallon had to forfeit three weight classes during the tournament.

De Braga saw improvement from the Fallon tournament to open the season, but said there’s still more work to be done.

“We wrestled well and corrected some mistakes that we had at the Earl Wilkens,” he said. “In some matches, we were ahead and ended up getting caught and pinned, which was upsetting. We really need to focus on finishing matches and when we have the lead, keeping that lead and cut all mistakes that could hurt us.”

But it’s up to the wrestlers to take the instruction and apply it on the mat.

“All the teaching is now done and it’s time to really bring the intensity and polish every tool I have given them,” de Braga added. “Conditioning is good and I was pleased with that this weekend.”

Tommy McCormick (113 pounds), Terry White (120), Sean McCormick (152), Matt Goings (170) and Ben Dooley (220) finished undefeated in the six duals. It was the first time Sean McCormick competed since injuring his collar bone during the football season two months ago. Dooley also went undefeated in the season-opening tournament in Fallon.

“We beat some good teams and we were right there with the top teams,” de Braga said. “If we didn’t have to give up forfeits, I believe we would have won the duals that we fell short of.”

Kobe Abe (285) finished 5-1 on the weekend while Mason Smith (126) and Dylan McAfee (138) were 4-2. Leo Aicher (145) was 2-4, while Tallon Amezquita finished 1-3 and Blane Aicher (160) was 1-5.

Fallon forfeited twice in the 132 class and in all matches at 106, 182 and 195. Jack Swisher, Conley Hyde and Chase Hyde didn’t make the trip because of ACT testing.

Next up is the prestigious Reno Tournament of Champions this weekend as Fallon continues its tough stretch of tournaments before facing league competition.

“Each week is a big test as we go to some huge tournaments, wrestling teams from all over the country,” de Braga said. “The competition is exactly what we need to get us prepared for league duals, regionals and state. As a whole team, I believe we are still ahead of where we were last year and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”