Glendora HS Wrestler Scharbrough Claims CIF Masters Title

While his finals opponent was scoring impressive victory over impressive victory, Glendora's Hayden Scharbrough was efficiently working his way through the CIF-Southern Sections Maters Meet 145-pound bracket with decision after decision.

Turns out Scharbrough was saving the best for last.

Scharbrough became a CIF Masters champion on Saturday at Temecula Valley High School, pinning Littlerock's Trevor DeVestern just 49 seconds into their championship match.

It all happened so quickly for Scharbrough, who was on his back right when the first buzzer sounded and trailed 4-0. But somehow Scharbrough found himself at an advantage when he managed to get Devestern flipped over and turned around to his back. Seconds later, Scharbrough had his hand raised as champion as Devestern walked away bewildered.

"We got in that funky position and once I got him to his back I just stuck with it,"  said Scharbrough, who just last week became the school's first two-time individual CIF champion. "My goal was just to get to the finals. I'm really happy right now."

Added Glendora coach Mike Caro: "It was anybody's match. I figured it would take either really long or end really quick. We knew that Hayden had the better hips and once he got over and on his back. I knew it was over."

Schabrough, who finished sixth at last year's Masters, went 5-0 over the two days. He won all but his championship match by decision. In comparison, Devestern pinned his first three opponents and recorded a technical fall in his semifinal match.

Caro could only speak proudly of his champion afterward.

"Hayden has set a good example for our program. Everything he has accomplished he has created for himself."

Scharbrough will now advance to CIF State Meet, which begins Friday at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. He went 2-2 at State last year and is hopeful he could place (top eight finish) at the massive tournament.

Aside from his berth at the State meet, Scharbrough was also awarded a championship belt for his special accomplishment. He noted it will make for a nice fashion accessory in the next few days.

"I'm going to wear it to school on Monday," he said.