BAKERSFIELD, CA - Despite taking first place in five of 10 weight classes, the Bakersfield College wrestling team came up just short in its bid to win the Southeast Conference Championships tournament team title on Saturday.
Derrek Alcantar (133 pounds), Adrian Juarez (165), Joshua Shepard (174), Isaac Villalobos (184), and Uriel Vasquez all won gold medals for the Renegades at the daylong meet held at the Gil Bishop Sports Center.
The quintet's top prize finishes weren't quite enough for the Renegades, who finished second to Victor Valley by 10 points (185.5-175.5).
East Los Angeles College was third (113), followed by West Hills College (105), Moorpark College (89), and Cuesta College (58.5).
BC's downfall was not having anyone in the 125 or 141-pound brackets.
Victor Valley had only one individual champion but had at least one wrestler in each weight class.
Alcantar, who finished fifth in the state last year at 133 pounds, pinned both of his opponents in the first period on Saturday and was named the Most Outstanding Lower Weight Wrestler of the tournament.
"I thought we wrestled well in certain spots," BC coach Marco Austin said. "We gave up two crucial weights, trying to push for those guys to be able to be ready at the end of the season. So, with that, I still felt like we were competitive. We had five winners and six finalists. It was a good showing, but we took second place, so I hope this stings a little bit. We have a young enough group where they can get seasoned up from this."
BC will next take to the mat on Wednesday when it travels north to face off against Fresno City College in a dual meet.
