Javier Gomez’s debut in the octagon was a short one on Jan. 7.
The Cortez Martial Arts Academy student stopped Zack Haddad by submission with an arm bar in 1 minute, 5 seconds during the Shasta County Throwdown, a California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) event that took place in Redding. Haddad represents the Cesar Gracie Fighting Team.
Gomez, a Brazilian Jujitsu blue belt at Cortez Martial Arts Academy, fought in the 135-pound division but plans on moving down to 125 for his next bout scheduled for March 3 in Pleasanton.
Prep wrestling
Lathrop High dominated a Valley Oak League double dual hosted by Sierra Wednesday night, dispatching Sonora 57-22 and the host Timberwolves, 46-18.
Alex Garcia (106), Andrew Aquino (126), Luis Oregel (132), Oscar Tapia (145), Omar Guzman (160), Jay Butler (182) and Josh Lewis (192) each went 2-0.
The Spartans split at the junior varsity level, edging Sierra 30-25 after losing to Sonora, 49-18. Ian Chavez (160) and Ivan Sandoval (184) won their two matches.
Indoor track
The East Union Open Track and Field Club competed in the UC Davis and California Golden Bears all-comers meet the past two weeks.
In Davis, Jerrica Hauck qualified for the California Indoor State Meet in the high school girls pole vault (10 feet) and 55-meter dash (7.98 seconds).
Claudia Arevalo nearly qualified for state in Berkley, missing a berth by a second with a time of 1:41.95 in the high school girls 550.
Free throw contest
Seven boys and girls ages 10-13 from Manteca and Lathrop earned local championships in the 2012 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship this past Monday and Tuesday.
Each competitor attempted 15 free throws, and division winners will compete in the district competition held Feb. 18 at St. Anthony’s Schools with the chance to advance to the state and international levels.
Winning their respective divisions were: Nina Murphy (10-year-old girls), Connor Galloway (10 boys), Giana Telles (11 girls), Blake Greenlee (11 boys), Hailey Gosney (12 girls), Jordan Barajas (12 boys) and Keenen Donatelli (13 boys).
