Friars Take Wrestling Crown

n the 2015 Rumble in the Jungle, the Father Duenas Memorial School Friars capped off there undefeated regular season by winning it all Saturday night. The Friars won the All-Island Wrestling tournament with 104 overall team points.

With most of the finals competitors being from FD or George Washington High School, the results were extremely close.

The GW Geckos had a strong start with Justin Pangelinan’s win over FD’s Nicolas Duenas in the 106-pound weight class. After hand fighting, Pangelinan got a head-and-arm roll and nearly pinned Duenas in the first round. Duenas was able to get off his back and go to round two. Duenas started round two on the bottom position and quickly tried to face into his opponent. Pangelinan soon retook control and eventually put Duenas on his back. Pangelinan pinned his opponent with 15 seconds left in round two. The Geckos took second place with 91 points.

In the 126-pound weight class, Cyril Maravilla finished his third-straight undefeated season.

With a double leg, Maravilla was able to quickly take down Simon Sanchez High School’s Paul Aguon. Maravilla kept control but Aguon soon rolled over for a reversal. When both got back on their feet, Maravilla took Aguon back to the ground before first round time expired. Maravilla began round two in the bottom position but was quick to get on his feet, eventually getting onto Aguon. Maravilla then worked Aguon to his back to pin him with a 1:10 left in round two.

“For All-Island the practices were killer. We knew the team had to be mentally prepared and realize that we’re the team that wants to win,” said Maravilla.

FD later sealed the championship with Leonard Calvo defeating GW’s Kyle Samonte in the 145-pound weight class. Earlier in the regular season, Samonte had defeated Calvo.

“I knew if I wrestled my match it would go my way,” said Calvo.

The wrestlers tied and looked for an opening. Calvo shot for a single leg but Samonte was able to sprawl as round one ended scoreless.

“I knew to keep calm and collected. Even if it was tight, I thought if I was technically solid and avoided anything risky, the score would go in my favor,” said Calvo.

In round two Calvo started on bottom. A locking call on Samonte gave Calvo the first points. Calvo then got on his feet for an escape. Looking for a takedown, Calvo worked his way behind his opponent to take a 4-0 lead. Samonte was able to escape as round two time expired 4-1.

In round three, Samonte was let up, but Calvo was quick on the attack and shot for a single leg, working his way behind Samonte for points. At the end of round three, Calvo’s hand was raised for the 6-3 victory.

The FD Friars ended the night with three gold medal, four silver medals, five bronze medals, and four fourth-place finishes.