Millikan continued its wrestling dominance this weekend at Long Beach Poly, which was summited by senior leader Gavin Laverde. Laverde became the second boys’ wrestler in Moore League history to win his weight class—126 lbs.—four consecutive years.
“It feels pretty good… I am a little excited. I worked hard for this,” said Laverde. “Winning four times in a row and making history is something not a lot of people can say.
Laverde also attributes his success to his teammates and coaches for working hard and motivating him and each other every day.
Along with Laverde at 126, Millikan won eight of the 14 title matches. The other individual champions for Millikan were Ramsey Prebibe (106), Allister Castillo (132), Julian Lee (138), Alex Lovato (145), Trey Callwell (160), Aidan Gomez (182), and Tanner Costello (220).
“We put the kids in hard positions and tough tournaments… so we can get to be where we want,” explained Millikan head coach Blake Lovato on his team’s overall and individual success.
Millikan finished third in Division 3 in the final poll of CIF-Southern Section season.
When asked about preparing for CIF, Lovato elaborated how he will “Keep working harder. Take notes from today, work on it this week, and continue the process until we are done.”
Wilson finished the day winning three titles by Eden Jay Khamnoy (152), Anthony Vera (170), and Dorian Ortloff in the heavyweight.
In one of the more electric matches of the day, Khamnoy emerged victorious in the final moments of the match. The crowd erupted in enthusiasm, and Khamnoy celebrated boisterously with his coaches and teammates.
“It is a great feeling, but at the end of the day, I owe a lot to my teammates and supporters,” said Khamnoy at the end of his match. “I use that energy to be a good wrestler, basically. Since I am the team captain of [Wilson], I want to make sure I show off a good persona for myself and my skills… and I want to say thanks to all my coaches, friends and family for supporting me.”
Long Beach Poly’s Nathan Itchon and Eduardo Sandoval won their titles, 113 and 120 respectively. Lakewood’s Nelson Ramirez won the 195 title with a successful pin on the edge of the ring.
Top three finishers in each weight class will now prepare for CIF. The championships will be held at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, from February 23-25.
2023 Moore League Boys’ Wrestling Individual Champions:
106: Ramsey Prebibe, Millikan
113: Nathan Itchon, Long Beach Poly
120: Eduardo Sandoval, Long Beach Poly
126: Gavin Laverde, Millikan
132: Allister Castillo, Millikan
138: Julian Lee, Millikan
145: Alex Lovato, Millikan
152: Eden Jay Khamnoy, Wilson
160: Trey Callwell, Millikan
170: Anthony Vera, Wilson
182: Aidan Gomez, Millikan
195: Nelson Ramirez, Lakewood
220: Tanner Costello, Millikan
Heavyweight: Dorian Ortloff, Wilson
