January 23, 2005

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— One night after one of its worst performances in recent memory, the No. 23–ranked Cal State Bakersfield wrestling team rebounded with one of its most impressive, winning seven match en route to a 29–12 win over Stanford at the Icardo Center Sunday evening.

It was senior night for the Roadrunners, who are now 13–5 on the year and 5–2 in the Pac–10, and it was the seniors that came up big.

Matt Sanchez (Gilroy/Iowa State), ranked No. 4 in the nation and No. 1 in the Pac–10 at 133, picked up his 14th consecutive victory with a pin over Juston Johnson in 2:06. Sanchez, who pinned the No. 5 wrestler in the conference in one of CSUB’s two wins against Oregon State last night, looked to be in trouble early, giving up a quick takedown and three back points before escaping and quickly taking down Johnson. A minute later Sanchez was able to turn him and get his team-best 15th pin of the season.

Efren Ceballos (Manteca HS), who is ranked No. 10 in the country and No. 3 in the Pac–10, came back from a tough loss last night and picked up an impressive 12–2 major decision at 125 pounds, defeating Nathan Peterson, who came in ranked No. 6 in the conference. The match was close through the first two periods with Ceballos holding a 5–0 advantage, but Ceballos picked up two takedowns in the final period and rode his way to the victory.

The Pac–10’s No. 2–ranked wrestler, Roberto Vargas (Highland/Pacific HS) also scored a major decision, downing Chris Hayworth at 141 pounds. Vargas had no trouble with the Cardinal wrestler, scoring near fall points in each of the first two periods and adding a late takedown to seal the deal.

The final CSUB senior wrestling Sunday night was Bakersfield’s own Scott O’Rear (Bakersfield/Centennial HS), who picked up his 12th win of the year with a 5–2 decision over Ryan Hagen to open the meet at 184 pounds. O’Rear jumped out to a 4–0 lead after two periods, picking up a takedown in each, and held off a late rally by Hagen for the victory.

Junior Christian Arellano (Moreno Valley/Canyon Springs HS), ranked No. 15 nationally and No. 3 in the Pac–10, took out his frustrations on Scott Loescher at 165 pounds and earning an 18–4 major decision for the Roadrunner’s final win of the night. Arellano, who lost a heart–breaker in overtime in last night’s match, responded with a dominating performance in tonight’s. He picked up three takedowns and a total of eight back points in winning his 24th match of the season against 10 losses.

Sophomore Eric Parker (Ramona HS) and junior Anthony Baza (Sunnyvale/Fremont HS), ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the conference respectively, picked up the other two CSUB wins. Parker dominated from start to finish, easily cruising to a 16–5 major decision victory over Shawn Ritzenthaler at heavyweight. Baza also scored a major decision, downing Rafeal Chavez 12–4.

Stanford’s Matt Gentry, the defending NCAA champion at 157 pounds, picked up his 34th straight win beating Brian Busby (San Diego/Scripps Ranch HS) by a 16–4 major decision.

CSUB travels to Boise State on Saturday, Jan. 29, for a Pac–10 contest at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Id.

Wt.	Winner (team)	Score	Loser (team)	CSUB	STAN
184	Scott O’Rear (CSUB)	Dec., 5-2	Ryan Hagen (STAN)	3	0
197	Ian Bork (STAN)	Dec., 10-8	Ryan Bergman (CSUB)	3	3
HWT	Eric Parker (CSUB)	Maj. Dec., 16-5	Shawn Ritzenthaler (STAN)	7	3
125	Efren Ceballos (CSUB)	Maj. Dec., 12-2	Nathan Peterson (STAN)	11	3
133	Matt Sanchez (CSUB)	Fall, 2:06	Juston Johnson (STAN)	17	3
141	Roberto Vargas (CSUB)	Maj. Dec., 12-0	Chris Hayworth (STAN)	21	3
149	Anthony Baza (CSUB)	Maj. Dec., 12-4	Rafeal Chavez (STAN)	25	3
157	Matt Gentry (STAN)	Maj. Dec., 16-4	Brian Busby (CSUB)	25	7
165	Christian Arellano (CSUB)	Maj. Dec., 18-4	Scott Loescher (STAN)	29	7
174	Imad Kharbush (STAN)	Tech Fall 17-0 (7:00)	Jason Carrasco (CSUB)	29	12

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California State University, Bakersfield Athletic Department
9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Phone: (661) 654-3071 • FAX: (661) 654-2376