Aztecs outwrestled by Jackrabbits

BARSTOW • The Victor Valley wrestling team proved a bit too much for Barstow to handle on Wednesday, taking a 69-3 win at Barstow High School.

Getting the one win for the Aztecs was Ryan Barela, who beat Isiah Guittierez, 1-0.
“Ryan is wrestling tough on top, which we like to see,” said Aztecs assistant coach Sam Barnhart. “He’s a good leg-rider, and is improving every match.”

This season has been a learning experience for Barstow, which is a young team with only one senior, and six first-year wrestlers. Barnhart is pleased with the progress that has been made, as well as how much varsity experience the young wrestlers have gotten.

“We’re young, but still scrapping,” he said. “There’s been a lot of teaching going on, and we’ve also had our fair share of injuries. But it didn’t faze these kids. They’ve kept working, and that’s what matters to a coach.”

Though Barstow won’t qualify as a team for the postseason, Barnhart is hoping some individual wrestlers will be competing. And while the team’s record isn’t where he’d prefer it to be, the coach is never disappointed by the effort and spirit he's seen.

“These kids are great ambassadors of sportsmanship,” he said. “In this sport, it’s easy to get a big head and forget about what’s really going on, but I don’t have to worry about that. I just want them to remember they always have to battle; every time they step on that mat they have to be ready to wrestle.”

The loss left the Aztecs with a record of 5-9.

Next Wednesday, Jan. 25, Barstow will have its final home dual meet of the season, hosting Serrano for a 6 p.m. start.