Wrestler Makes Rodriguez High History In State Meet

BAKERSFIELD -- Adam Paine became the first Rodriguez High School wrestler in history to earn a medal in the California Interscholastic Federation Championships at Rabobank Arena.

Paine went 5-2 in the state championship meet, storming to the quarterfinals of the consolation round and defeating some of the top-ranked 130-pound wrestlers in California along the way.

Pain defeated Downey’s Jacob Barberena to open the tournament on Friday. He lost to eventual state champion Nick Pena, from Selma, to fall into the consolation bracket.

Pain bested Orland’s Jimmy Gamboa in 2 minutes, 33 seconds to advance in the consolation rounds. The Rodriguez star defeated South Hills’ Thomas Morales in the consolation quarterfinals before losing to Bella Vista’s Shayne Tucker in the consolation semifinals.

Tucker was the top qualifier at 130 pounds in Sac-Joaquin Section. Gamboa was the No. 1 finisher in the North Section before losing to Paine.

Pena won the title at 130 pounds by defeating Union Mine’s Cody Tow in the championship match.

Bakersfield’s Natrelle Demison was third at 130 pounds, followed by Bella Vista’s Tucker. Marina’s Alex Anunciation was fifth. Pain was followed by Clovis North’s Chris Calcagno. South Hills’ Morales finished eighth.