Sophomore Justin Micallef
OAKHURST — Already this month, Yosemite High School (YHS) students on the wrestling team have competed in the Dinuba Invitational, a 4 way dual, and the Westside Invitational.
Now, YHS wrestling provides an update, courtesy of wrestling Booster, Anne Guynn:
Dinuba Invitational
Eight Yosemite High School wrestlers competed Friday, Jan. 5, at the Dinuba Invitational, with three advancing to Saturday.
“Our team is in the grind time of the season and our athletes are embracing it, working hard, and raising themselves to championship levels,” says Yosemite wrestling head coach Kent Lincoln.
Senior Diego Combs
“All of our coaches are very proud of the athletes’ efforts and look forward to their continued success. At the Dinuba Invitational, senior Oguzhan Jumayev and sophomores Justin Micallef and Nicolas Guynn did an excellent job of leading the Badgers.”
YHS placed twenty-ninth out of fifty-one participating schools. Sophomore Nicolas Guynn placed third out of 37 wrestlers in the 152 lb. weight class.
4 Way Dual
Yosemite hosted Washington Union, Kerman, and Sierra at a 4 way dual meet on Wednesday, Jan. 9.
Sophomore Nicolas Guynn
Badger wins included Jimmy McCurry, Michael Silva, Clint Willoughby, Parker Elliott, Diego Combs, Nicolas Guynn, Justin Micallef, and Oguzhan Jumayev. The wrestling boosters served a tri-tip dinner during the dual meet, raising $937 dollars. Boosters are responsible for purchasing wrestling mats and uniforms.
Westside Invitational at Firebaugh
Six Yosemite JV wrestlers competed Friday, Jan. 11, against sixteen other high schools in Firebaugh’s Westside Invitational. Freshman Clint Willoughby placed sixth in the 122 lb. weight class. Freshman Braden Craig, 108 lbs. earned fifth place. Freshman Jimmy McCurry, 108 lbs., and sophomore Parker Elliott, 128 lbs., each took fourth place.
The Westside Invitational is a great opportunity for our athletes to compete in a divisional level tournament,” says Coach Lincoln. “Our wrestlers are continuing to make huge improvements at every competition. I see everyone’s commitment paying off.”
Senior Oguzhan Jumayev
Four out of five varsity Badgers who wrestled Saturday, Jan. 12, in Firebaugh advanced to semifinals. 138 lb. Senior Diego Combs placed fifth. Senior Oguzhan Jumayev and sophomore Justin Micallef, each earned third. Sophomore Nicolas Guynn advanced to the final round, placing second.
The Badger Wrestlers travel to Kerman for a league meet Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Photos provided by Booster Anne Guynn from the Westside Invitational in Firebaugh.
Yosemite High School is part of the Yosemite Unified School District.
Justin Micallef and Head Coach Kent Lincoln
