Bonita High School Celebrates Dramatic Wrestling Victory Over Rival San Dimas

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December 7, 2023

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, the Bonita High School wrestling team clinched a nail-biting victory against their longtime rivals, San Dimas High School, on Wednesday to take back the prized railroad tie. The final score stood at 33-31 in favor of Bonita, marking a memorable triumph in the school’s wrestling history.

The Climactic Turnaround

The contest was a rollercoaster of emotions and intensity, with both teams giving their all. Heading into the final two matches, Bonita was trailing by 10 points, a significant margin in such a tight contest. However, the Bearcats showed remarkable resilience and skill, turning the tables in a stunning fashion.

Xander Rivas, competing in the 145-pound category, initiated the comeback with a pivotal pin, narrowing the gap to 31-27. The stage was then set for Tristan Fernandez, one of the San Gabriel Valley’s most elite wrestlers. In a high-pressure situation, Fernandez delivered spectacularly, pinning his opponent in the first period. This dramatic win set off a wave of celebration among the Bonita team and supporters, highlighting the spirit and camaraderie of high school sports.

Key Moments and Outstanding Performances

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The dual meet showcased several impressive performances from both teams. For San Dimas, Dylan Khelghatian and Donovan Morrison started strong, securing early victories. However, Bonita’s Cole Parra made a significant impact in his 175-pound match, marking a strong return to the wrestling scene after missing the previous season.

The matches saw a series of lead changes, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the contest. Bonita’s CT Clancey and Ethan Lorenz secured crucial victories, while San Dimas’ Brendan Krieger and Liam Robledo put up strong performances, keeping the pressure on Bonita.

The Spirit of Sportsmanship

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the evening was the mutual respect and sportsmanship displayed by both teams. Despite the fierce rivalry, the athletes and coaches from both San Dimas and Bonita showed commendable respect for each other, embodying the true spirit of high school athletics.

Match Results in Detail

Match Results:

  • 157: Dylan Khelghatian (SD) def Nathan Ebel (B), 6-4, in OT. (3-0 SD)
  • 165: Donovan Morrison (SD) def. Josh Marshall (B), 14-12. (6-0 SD)
  • 175: Cole Parra (B) pinned Fabio Lara (SD) in first period. (6-6)
  • 190: CT Clancey (B) def. Roque Dominguez (SD), 9-6. (9-6 BHS)
  • 215: Michael Baeza (SD) pinned Connor Milici (B) in second period. (12-9 SD)
  • 285: Ethan Lorenz (B) pinned Angel Castaneda (SD) in first period. (15-12 BHS)
  • 106: Brendan Krieger (SD) pinned Trevor Prejusa (B) in first period. (18-15 SD)
  • 113: Elias Echeveste (B) def. Ethan Rodriguez (SD), 14-9. (18-18)
  • 120: Ben Cordero (SD) def. Nick Vasquez (B), 6-2. (21-18 SD)
  • 126: Kamari Baldelomar (SD) def. Xavier Perez (B), 17-4. (25-18 SD)
  • 132: Dylan Garcia (B) def. Daniel Baeza (SD), 11-7. (25-21 SD)
  • 138: Liam Robledo (SD) pinned Lucas Legaspi (B) in second period. (31-21 SD)
  • 144: Xander Rivas (B) pinned Jeremiah Laing (SD) (31-27 SD)
  • 150: Tristan Fernandez (B) pinned Jeremy Ortiz (SD) in first period. (33-31 BHS)

A Message from Coach Rob Froh

Coach Rob Froh expressed immense pride in the performance of the Bonita team, commending not just the athletes but also the overwhelming support from the school community. He acknowledged the spirited effort of the girls’ team and celebrated the victories of both the JV and Varsity boys’ teams.

“ I wanted to thank everyone that came out last night to support our boys and girls in their wrestling match against San Dimas! The gym was packed and it was ROCKIN”!!!” , Coach Rob Froh.

The Bonita Community: A Pillar of Support

The success story goes beyond the wrestlers. The entire Bonita community, including the administration, teachers, students, and the cheerleading squad, played a crucial role in energizing and supporting the team. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, a testament to the unity and spirit of Bonita High School.

Reliving the Moment

For those who missed the thrilling encounter or wish to relive the moments, photo galleries by Beth Oualline are available, capturing the intensity and emotion of the meet.

This victory not only signifies a triumph in the sport but also serves as a symbol of Bonita High School’s commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and community spirit. The Bearcats’ wrestling team has indeed brought the Railroad Tie back home, adding another proud chapter to the school’s rich sporting legacy.

Go Bearcats!