Wrestlers from the Turlock Youth Wrestling Club competed among the nation’s best in the 17th Annual World of Wrestling Reno Worlds Wrestling Tournament last weekend.
Out of 12 Turlock Youth Wrestling Club wrestlers, five placed in the top six of their respective divisions. Last year, the club only had one wrestler place.
The wrestling mat maniacs took on opponents from Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, California, Nevada, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and more.
“This is the tournament the kids look forward to all year. They get paraded around the area then all the medalists have there own parade at the end including a ‘face off’ between all finalists,” said Turlock Youth Wrestling head coach Lucas Solarez. “Everyone wrestled their heart out. There is always room for improvement, but we all are very happy with the team’s performance.”
One of the highlights of the tournament occurred when twin brothers Jeremiah Bertalotto and Isaiah Bertalotto finished second and third respectively in the 55 pound, age 6 and under division. Both boys beat the Tulsa National Champion, but also both lost to the same wrestler: Dominic Wilson from the Tulare Titans.
“Both wrestled at the same time, both mats right next to each other. We knew they were national quality wrestlers, but this just proved to us and everyone else that we can hang with any of the top kids in the country,” said Solarez.
In the girls bracket, Hailey Ward beat all of her opponents and walked away with a championship in the 70 pound, age 14 and under bracket. Her toughest match was against the Nevada Girls State Champion Reese Larramendy, where Ward was losing 0-2 in the 3rd and final period.
“Ward got the escape and the takedown also with some back points to win the match 5-2. Hailey was just in way better shape and really just gritted that match out,” explains Solarez.
Reno Worlds Medalists
Jeremiah Bertalotto – Second, 55 pound, age 6 and under
Isaiah Bertalotto – Third, 55 pound, age 6 and under
Ethan Ward – Eighth, 50 pound, age 8 and under
Juan Mora Jr – Sixth, 130 pound, age 10 and under
Hailey Ward – Champion, 70 pound, girls age 14 and under
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