The annual match features a number of former Roadrunner stars at weights they remembered from high school or earlier pitted against the current Bakersfield squad.
The outcome of the match came down to the final weight class of the day. Roberto Vargas, an All–American from last season's squad, faced junior Matt Schumm (Corona, Calif./Centennial HS) at 141 pounds. After a close first period, Vargas, who weighed a bit more than the 141 he wrestled at last year, outscored Schumm 9–0 in the second period en route to a 15–2 win.
Tommy Vargas (Highland, Calif./Northwestern) scored a narrow 3–2 victory over Moses Delfin, an All–American in 1999 for the 'Runners and a current assistant coach for the squad. Vargas scored the only takedown of the match in the first period and managed to hold off Delfin for the victory.
The most entertaining match of the evening came at 174 pounds where Bakersfield's Christian Arellano (Moreno Valley, Calif./Canyon Springs HS) edged out Ian Nelms by a count of 8–6. The two wrestlers battled back and forth, combining for four reversals. Arellano managed the final reversal midway though the final period and held on for the win.
Another close match came just one match later at 184 pounds. Lou Montano, a former two–time NCAA Division I All–American held a slight 4–3 lead with riding time advantage nearing the end of the match. The Roadrunners' Brandon Ceremello (Clovis, Calif./Clovis HS) was able to score a quick escape and benefited from a stalling call with a few seconds left to force overtime. In the extra period, Ceremello was able to overcome at least a 30 pound disadvantage and score the takedown for the victory.
At heavyweight, junior Eric Parker (Ramona, Calif,/Ramona HS) held off a strong challenge from former three–time Pac–10 placewinner Brian Malavar for a close 4–2 decision. The match was the only one of the night where the Alumni wrestler was close to making weight.
Former two–time All–American Coby Wright scored a tech fall victory over freshman Brandon Zoetewey (San Ramon, Calif./De La Salle HS) at 125 pounds. Wright, who had a 20 pound weight and at least one foot height advantage, took the freshman down at will, scoring the technical fall at the end of the match.
Bakersfield returns to action this weekend as the squad travels to the Las Vegas Invitational on Friday and Saturday.
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