Falcons Take Flight at CIF State Wrestling Championships

By Steve Wilner

Junior John Eberle (103) and Sophomore Griffith Gates (215) competed in the 2011 CIF State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield March 4.

They were among the best 40 wrestlers in the state at their respective weight classes. Although they were not able to advance to the tournament's second day, they represented Foothill well.  

John finished the tournament with an 0-2 record. He lost matches to the #11 ranked wrestler in the state (#4 in the South Section) from Hesperia in the second round and the #9 ranked wrestler in the South Section in the first round of consolations.

When asked about what impressed him most about the CIF Tournament, John said, "It's not wrestling in front of 5,000 people, it's the toughness of the competition".

Griff finished the tournament with a 2-2 record and in the top 24 wrestlers in his weight class. He lost his first match to the #11 in state (#1 in Central Section) wrestler from Clovis.

Then Griff reeled off two victories by pin in the consolation round against the #31 in state (#7 in Central Section) and the #37 in state (#7 in Sac-Joaquin Section). He lost his final match to the #22 in state (#4 in Sac-Joaquin Section).

"I am happy with my accomplishments, but I look forward to being better next season," Griff said.