The score clock showed a two-point deficit entering the final period. At 285 pounds, freshman Jeremiah Holbrook took his place in the defensive position.

Two minutes and two takedowns later, Holbrook took a hard hitting fourth place against the Modesto Pirates’ Jose Garcia, and by duals end the Skyline Trojans closed with an overall score of 68.50, ranking at third place in the Coast Conference wrestling tournament hosted by Chabot College in Castro Valley, Nov. 21, 2015.

Regardless of taking an overall third place, Trojans had many winning bouts throughout the tournament under head coach James Haddon. This year’s Coast Conference hosted five schools, including Santa Rosa, Modesto, Fresno, Skyline, and Chabot community colleges.
“We had a good tournament,” said Haddon. “Fundamentally our guys are really putting things together. The things we have been working on all season as far as technique, I was pretty happy with the outcome of most of the matches.”

Freshman Ezra Clark who competed in the 141 pound division took first place overall this tournament, and brought much of the teams success through his technique and passion throughout his matches.

“Ezra is really starting to look like he is becoming a full, well rounded wrestler which is pretty big for a first year to do what he has done at this tournament,” said assistant coach Jason Morhouse.

The team has had some major growth throughout the season, coming a long way not only technically but mentally as well. The men showed a lot of good defense and skill on the mats as well as being prepared physically with every wrestler making weight this tournament.

“We had a lot of first year guys and I’m really proud of how far they’ve come,” said coach Haddon.

Trojans wrestling team are looking to work on gaining balance between intensity and relaxation as well as confidence, especially as injuries and fatigue progress throughout the season.

Brady Hong however, proved that regardless of how tough the season gets, hard work pays off. Having had the most matches this tournament, he placed high in conference and showed great team spirit.

“A lot of our team mates did well, it makes me really happy” said Hong. “Not only did I do well, but seeing my teammates win and place along side with me makes me really proud.”

Travis Morgan Smith, another first year with the Men’s Wrestling team, was also very proud of how well his fellow Trojan teammates resulted this tournament.

“We all did really well, we pushed really hard and it reflected from our practices,” said Smith.

The men will continue their season working on their technique as they prepare for regionals.

“It was a fun day and a lot of guys wrestled really well,” said Morhouse. “But right now we are looking to improve our offense and we should be well off come time for regionals.”