ESCALON – Ripon finished third in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V wrestling championships Saturday, but it was the Indians’ opening-day performance Friday that set the tone.

Of the 19 wins on Friday for Ripon, 17 were by pin and two by forfeit. The Indians will advance five to the CIF Masters championships beginning Friday at the Stockton Arena and will be led by Donny Fontillas who finished first at 113 pounds.

“Donny Fontillas, a sophomore, was our only champion and had a first round fall in the finals,” Indians coach Glen White said. “Donny works extremely hard in the room and has an outstanding attitude. We believe that he has unlimited potential and we’re excited to see his hard work paying off.

Tristan Smith (second, 285), Javi Hernandez (third, 138), Dyllan Heald (fourth, 170) and Jacob Rhodes (fourth, 195) will advance to the Masters for Ripon. Jordan Campa (fifth, 106), Diego Moreno (fifth, 160) and Matt Fisher (sixth, 120) also placed for the Indians. 

“We finished the day placing third as a team and qualifying five for Masters,” White said. “Although we believe we could’ve had a few more, we are thrilled to have five guys wrestling at the Stockton Arena next weekend. Eight of our kids placed in the top six.

“Overall we were very happy with the way the kids wrestled this weekend. Friday was huge for us and really set the tone for the weekend.”

The Masters begin Friday at the Stockton Arena.

SJS South Girls 

Wrestling Championships

For the second year in a row Venture Academy’s Aysia Cortez won a section championship, moving up to 131 pounds Saturday at Tokay High from last year’s championship at 126.

Cortez faced Shelly Avelino of Benicia in the finals with Avelino making it to the championship bout with three pins. Cortez outwrestled her to claim an 8-3 decision and first place.

Cortez qualified for the State Championships which will be held at Visalia Convention Center on February 26 and 27.