CAH Wrestler, Charis Tolentino Advances to CIF State

In an epic performance, sophomore Charis Tolentino placed second in the girls 103-pound weight class at the San Diego Section Masters Tournament held last Saturday at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos.  With more than 3000 fans, the tournament housed both the Masters qualifiers for both girls and boys for the first time together. 

In a rubber match, Tolentino pinned Ava Fodera of Scripps Ranch in the first round.  Tolentino previously lost to her earlier in the season due to an injury.  Her next opponent was senior Bella Sevillano of Steele Canyon whom Tolentino loss to during her freshman season.  During a scramble, Tolentino was able to pin Sevillano in the second round.  In the finals, Tolentino faced Jaylee Cazares of Brawley Union.  Tolentino scored in the first round but finally succumbed to Cazares’ arm bar pin.

Tolentino explains, “I was so grateful that I was even able to make it to Masters. I thought I wasn't going to wrestle at CIF because of my injury, but God was so kind to give me the ability to compete. Not only was I able to compete but I placed! This was beyond my expectations or dreams for this year. Leading up to Masters, I was so scared and nervous, especially in my semifinals match. The girl I was going against had pinned me so quickly at my first wrestling tournament last season. During the match, she took me down and I felt discouraged thinking that the same thing would happen to me again. However, my coaches and my family reminded me that I'm not the same wrestler I used to be. After I won that match, I experienced a rush of emotions; I was so happy that I made it to state, that I pinned the girl who pinned me before, and that I had overcome my fears.”

“Having done so well as a sophomore I'm excited to see what the next year holds. I also want to work harder in the off-season since I have seen firsthand the power of focus and consistent determination to improve. I love wrestling so much and I praise God for the many opportunities I've had and the blessings he has given me.”

This historic event marks the first time CAH has ever had a representative to the prestigious CIF State Championship held at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield.  California is one of six states in the nation that has a “true champion” meaning there are not multiple state champions for the same weight class.  Girls’ Wrestling is the fastest growing high school sport in the state and Tolentino will wrestle the cream of the crop.  We wish Charis well.

Girls’ Wrestling

Senior Madalyn McKellar had an impressive performance in the stacked 128-pound bracket.  In her first match, McKellar lost a close match by five points to Brianna Busse of Del Norte. Busse ended up taking second in the tournament.  Composing herself from her loss, McKellar defeated Isis Jahnig of Granite Hills in a nail-biting match with the final score of seven to five.  In the consolation semifinals, McKellar faced Ruby Julien-Newsom of Torrey Pines.  McKellar lost to Julien-Newsom by pin at the Cougar Classic in Escondido.  The coaching staff of CAH helped McKellar make some adjustments to her game and McKellar won another close match eleven to seven.  McKellar then wrestled Kayla Lim of West Hills and lost her match five to one.

The San Diego Section for Girls only sends the top three to state.  McKellar’s loss to Lim put her in fourth place marking the end of her very accomplished high school wrestling career.

“My experience at Masters was exhilarating and exciting. I was able to beat my personal bests and it was great to see all of my effort pay off,” Mckellar explains.

“The biggest lesson I have learned from wrestling is that I am capable of anything I put my mind too. Even when I'm at my physical and mental breaking points, I can keep fighting. I have gained so much confidence and it has really changed my outlook on life. No matter where the future takes me, I know that I can get through it. I am so happy that I got to be a part of this wonderful community.”

Boys’ Wrestling

CAH Wrestling sent three boy wrestlers who represented our school well.  In the San Diego Section, the Masters Brackets have 24 wrestlers which requires two days two complete.  Markis Duffy, sophomore, showed much improvement but was eliminated.  When asked about his experience at Masters, Markis explains,

 “Competing in Masters as a first-year wrestler was exciting, nerve-racking, and uplifting. The matches were challenging and fun. It was a blast! I look forward making it into masters again next year. This experience motivates me to train harder before and during my next wrestling season. Earning a spot and competing in Masters showed how I should prepare for the upcoming season. It is all about physical and mental preparation. Let’s go!”

Freshman Nolan White was a CIF fifth place alternate who was able to wrestle at Masters.  Since the second placer at CIF was injured, White took the spot and represented CAH. After losing to Jace Peter of Eastlake in the first round, White faced Leo Canchola-Salaic of Calexico.  Though Canchola-Salaic slammed White twice in the controversial match, White soundly rallied, and defeated the Calexico wrestler 17-6.  White’s season then ended when he lost to Justin Ayala of Southwest, El Centro.

“My experience from masters was invaluable! It was an exciting opportunity that I feel lucky to have experienced, especially my first year of wrestling. I will focus on growing my skill level off season and look forward to the next three years!”

Junior Giancarlo Tolentino displayed true heart as he wrestled in a bracket with three state ranked wrestlers.  Receiving a bye in the first round, Tolentino then beat Gage Malott of Santana six to two.  Tolentino then faced Tyler Brown of Mission Hills who is ranked 24th in the state.  Though Tolentino fought valiantly, Brown pinned Tolentino in the second round.  Tolentino then lost an emotional match to Lyland Calvo of Mt. Carmel by a margin of nine points marking the end of Tolentino’s season.

“My experience at masters was a tough one, as it helped me to grow as a wrestler and as a person. Although I lost, there were a lot of lessons that I learned that will help me right now and throughout life. However, Masters did show me that I grew as a wrestler as I competed much better than I did last year.”

“This experience will help motivate me to push harder during off-season and during practices even when I get tired or discouraged. I strive to be a better wrestler. I desire to go to state. I will do my best to complete my goal. But above all else, I want to glorify Christ in all that I do, win or lose.”