CCS wrestling: Escutia’s measure of redemption earns him section title (2024)

WATSONVILLE — JC Escutia had suffered just four setbacks all season in 33 matches. Two had come against the same opponent — a rival who was staring at the Palma wrestler in the face once again in Saturday’s finals.

A measure of redemption was warranted for Escutia, as he brought home the ultimate prize of being a Central Coast Section champion, posting a 3-2 win over Juan Carlos Puga of Gilroy at 184 pounds at Watsonville High.

“It’s a sense of relief,” Escutia said. “I’ve lost to this guy twice in the last month. Just all the hard work and countless hours put in throughout this whole season has paid off.”

Escutia was one of four Chieftains to advance to the CIF State wrestling championships, which begin Thursday in Bakersfield. Also bringing home a CCS title was Marco Silva of Greenfield, who was a champion at 220 pounds.

Escutia, who is weighing a football offer from Cal Lutheran and a wrestling offer from Menlo, won his first three matches — all by pins — to advance to the finals.

The Pacific Coast Athletic League champion and member of The Herald’s All-County football team as a running back will go into the state tournament one win shy of 30 for the season.

“This is just a stepping stone to where I want to be and that’s the state podium,” Escutia said. “I will celebrate with my family tonight and get back to work on Monday. The job isn’t done.”

Joining him at the state meet from Palma — which finished fourth as a team at the CCS finals — include Ethan Gonzales at 145 pounds and JoJo Andrade at 152. Both reached the title match before falling in the finals.

Isaiah Rangel is also going to the state championships for Palma after finishing third at 160 pounds. Alisal’s Diego Chaidez will gear up for a weekend in Bakersfield after finishing third at 192 pounds.

A contingent of girls’ qualifiers includes Alisal’s Isabel Garcia (116) and Joselin Hernandez (143), both of whom took home CCS titles. The pair will be accompanied by teammate Alondra Juarez, who finished third at 126 pounds to advance and Celeste Meza (101), who was fourth.

“It has not hit me yet,” Garcia said. “My only thinking was to win at all costs.”

Hernandez never felt the stage was too big.

“We’ve been working hard this whole time and the work finally paid off,” Hernandez said.

Bringing home section titles included Salinas’ Ailynne Acosta (111) and Greenfield’s Estrella Vasquez-Gutierrez (235).

Monterey is sending three wrestlers to the state meet, among them sophom*ore Ella Myers, who reached the finals before falling 3-0 in the title match.

“It probably won’t hit me until we drive into Bakersfield,” Myers said.

Myers, who was an all-state selection last year in softball as a freshman, won her first three matches easily to advance to the finals at 130 pounds.

“I had beaten the girl last week at the Masters Meet,” said Myers, who is 24-4 this year. “I was exhausted, like everyone else.”

Joining Myers will be teammates Katrina Dunklin and Alexis Ruiz, both of which finished third, along with Notre Dame’s Clarissa Cabrera.

Returning to the state meet will be Salinas’ Mariela Rodriguez at 170 pounds, along with teammate Destiny Gil (189), and Soledad’s Ariana Mercado.