January 3rd marked a momentous event in the history of Stingray Wrestling.  In the first tri-meet of the Summit League, Coastal Academy first matched up against the inaugural team of Liberty Charter of Alpine.  Having a full-line up (wrestlers in all 14 weight classes), Stingrays dominated Liberty with a final score of 66-6.

 

Coastal Academy then faced four-time defending champion, Mountain Empire of Pine Valley.  Stingrays racked up pins with Charis Tolentino (105), Markis Duffy (138), Kevin Gil (144), Jordan Mignosi (150), Giancarlo Tolentino (165), Adam Cornejo (175) and Micah Simmons (285).

 

In wrestling dual meets or tri-meets, a fall or “pin” is worth six points.  Although Freshman Alethia Tolentino lost her match to a much bigger opponent, she did not give up a pin.  Instead, Alethia lost by a technical fall, which earned Mountain Empire five points (instead of six points for a pin).  Alethia’s strong defense and her refusal to be pinned proved to be a crucial deciding factor for the final score.

 

When the last match of the meet was called, Mountain Empire was leading by five points (41-36).  Micah Simmons, Coastal Academy’s heavyweight, felt the pressure of the moment.  In a stunning turn of events, Simmons pinned his opponent earning six points.  Coastal Academy came out victorious at a final score of 42-41.

 

This brings Coastal Academy’s league record to 2-0.  The Stingrays face Tri-City Christian at Tri City on January 18th at 5pm.  Stingrays will then celebrate our seniors (Giancarlo Tolentino, Elijah Smith, Isaac Southwell, and Micah Simmons) at the tri-meet on January 25th at 5pm at Guajome Park Academy.  Coastal will compete against Army Navy Academy and Guajome Park Academy.  Come watch some exciting wrestling and support the Stingrays!

 

Watch Micah Simmons’ stunning win and celebration in this two-minute video.  Link below:

 

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