ESCALON — The long, holiday layoff didn’t affect the Nor Cal Take Down youth wrestling team.

Four won their respective weight classes and 24 finished in the top-three in their bracket at the Escalon Wrestling Club’s invitational on Sunday.

Joseph Lopez won the 49-pound title in the 5- to 6-year-old division, while Josiah Laird (46 pounds) and Armin Perez (61) were crowned champions amongst the 7- and 8-year-olds.

Izaiha Homa rounded out Nor Cal’s top performers with a victory in the 9-10 division’s 67-pound weight class.

“We had a long holiday break, and this tournament was the first competition most of our kids have seen in a few weeks and they responded well,” said Nor Cal coach Lim Prim. “We had 32 kids compete here today and they all did great…”

Among those earning second-place honors: Zeff Vega (40 pounds/5-6 division); Thomas Flores (56/7-8); Jerimya Homa (61/7-8); Donavan Rosevink (80/7-8); Chase Mirelez (60/9-10); Carson Prim (66/9-10); Cade Evans (71/9-10); Wyatt Thames (73/9-10); Miguel Souza (75/9-10); Henry McGrath (88/9-10); and Bradyn Silva (96/11-12).

Those earning a third-place medal: Austin Cullum (49/5-6); Brodie Johnson (55/5-6); Frank Urrutia (46/7-8); Jesse Cota (60/7-8); Gabriel Taboa (58/9-10); Chaz Johnson (88/9-10); Skyler Chayrez (96/11-12); Michael Boschi (145/13-15); and Simon Perez (160/13-15).
4 first-places