Pain advances in mat showdown, eyes first Rodriguez state wrestling medal

BAKERSFIELD -- Rodriguez High only had one of its four wrestlers advance Friday into the final day of action in the California Interscholastic Federation Championships at Rabobank Arena.

Adam Pain went 3-1 in four matches at 130 pounds on Friday to move on to Saturday competition. He needed to win his first match Saturday to become the first Rodriguez state wrestling medal winner.

Pain's only defeat on Friday came at the hands of defending state champion Nick Pena, from Selma.

Lathan Liles went 1-2 at 103 pounds for the Mustangs. Jesse Manriquez also finished 1-2, at 135, to be eliminated for Rodriguez. Nick Ghannam lost twice at 135 in the opening rounds for Rodriguez.

Liles drew a first-round forfeit victory at 103 pounds. He advanced to meet Atascadero's Michael Clemmensen and lost 15-0.

In the consolation bracket, Liles then decisioned San Marin's Christian Lizarraga, 4-3, before losing to Torrance's A.J. Pestano, 19-4.

Rodriguez star Manriquez opened with a win at 125 pounds, defeating Paul Hernandez of La Sierra, by pin at 3 minutes, 6 seconds of the match. Manriquez lost, however, to two-time state champion Alex Cisneros, from Selma.

Manriquez was ousted in a 3-1 loss to David Rocha of Leemore.

Pain beat Downey's Jacob Barberena in the second round by pin to meet Selma's Nick Pena in the third round.