The Falcon wrestling club sent six members of its elite wrestling team to Reno to compete in the recent Kickoff Classic, a tournament that provides a spectacular opening to the wrestling season. Over 20 states were represented at the tournament, and some weight classes were stacked with the best young talent in the nation. Trophies were awarded to the top four placers, while the rest of the competitors were rewarded with the experience of participating in a premiere national event.

Oscar Aranda placed first in the 6-and-under 40-pound bracket, the second time he has placed in a national tournament. After winning this tournament last year, Cole Gregerson faced a nine-man field in the 6U 43-pound bracket. After wrestling through the ranks to a second-place finish, he was challenged to another match for the second-place podium spot, coming out on top.

Devon Lyle of Discovery Bay competed in the 12U 67-pound bracket and, after an early defeat, wrestled his way to a spectacular second-place finish. Ricky Coster, a past placer at the event, suffered an early defeat in one of the largest and most competitive brackets, but came back to win successive matches and place in the top six.

Jesse Gregerson suffered an early and close defeat as well, wrestling in one of the largest and most highly competitive brackets at 76 pounds, but fought his way back to a fifth-place finish. Austin Lobsinger, another previous placer at the event, wrestled his way to a second-place finish as well.

The Falcons are hosting several folk-style tournaments this year and are excited to begin their quest for a state title run in 2008.

- Contributed by Ingrid Gregerson