Ramona Wrestlers Compete in State Event in Bakersfield

Four-time state team champion Poway High qualified eight wrestlers for the CIF state championship, which opened a two-day run Friday at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. That contingent will make the Titans a contender to reclaim a state crown the school last won in 2009.  

But look out for another team with top-10 aspirations—Ramona High, which has five athletes representing the CIF San Diego Section in the Central Valley. Following a runner-up finish in the section's Division III final—Brawley claimed a record 11th-straight crown in a meet held at Ramona—the Bulldogs saw their athletes qualify following breakout performances at last weekend's Masters meet.  

The list of Bulldogs is headed by Spaso Illich, who was named outstanding lower-weight wrestler at the Div. III meet following four pins, including a fall of San Marcos' Abraham Betancourt in the 140-pound championship bout.  

Meanwhile, 171-pound junior Devin Rhodes also scored a second-round pin for a Masters crown, stopping Philip Kyler of Monte Vista in 3:18.  

Other Ramona athletes qualifying for the state meet are all seniors: Brodie Chenowth (145 pounds), Marshal Thrasher (217) and Connor Koch (135), the son of Ramona coach Steve Koch. Illich and Koch, who have been teammates for four years, went on to take thirds at Masters, and are looking to medal at the state meet.

The five wrestlers advancing to state equals a school record set in 2002. The last Ramona wrestler to medal at the state meet was Ricky Dugan at 152 pounds in 2003. Dugan is credited with introducing Thrasher to the sport.      

Day 1 Results: Ramona stands in 17th place following Friday's competition, while Poway leads all San Diego Section schools in seventh, just two points behind the Selma Bears. Clovis is the overall leader, followed by host Bakersfield, then Concord-De La Salle.  

Illich captured a pair of bouts to advance to Saturday's quarterfinals. He needs two additional wins to garner a medal. Chenowth took his opening match, but lost in the round of 16, needing at least three wins in Staurday's consolation bracket to medal. Rhodes also fell in the same round after going 2-1, including a qualifying match to gain a berth in the main draw. Thrasher lost his opening match, then captured two in consolation to remain alive in the competition. Koch went 0-2 and was eliminated.

Day 2 results: Ramona suffered through a disappointing second day at the CIF state meet, capturing just a pair of consolation matches to fall out of the team standings. Spaso Illich, the only undefeated Bulldogs wrestler entering the final round, was pinned in the championship quarterfinals by Central Valley champion Isaiah Martinez of Lemoore. Illich then fell to Brady Bersano of Clovis, who finished seventh overall at 140 pounds. Light-heavyweight Marshal Thrasher (217 pounds) claimed one additional consolation bout before bowing out, finishing 2-2 for the championship. The only other Ramona wrestler to capture a bout was Devin Rhodes at 171 pounds before his elimination two rounds short of a medal.