Athlete of the week: Michael Parker - The Mesa Dobson heavyweight pinned three opponents Nov. 28 as the Mustangs defeated Gilbert Highland, Scottsdale Desert Mountain and Phoenix Alhambra in dual matches.
Beyond the box score
Warrior Classic: This weekend, 16 teams get their first real test of the season at the 22nd annual Warrior Classic at Mesa Westwood.
“If you have any holes, this will expose them,” Westwood coach Ed Montalvo said.
The tournament consists of two eight-team pools. The teams in each pool will square off against each other in dual matches on Friday and on Saturday morning.
For the final round, the No. 1 finisher from the Blue pool faces the No. 1 finisher from the Orange pool, No. 2 faces No. 2, etc.
The No. 1 finishers are expected to meet for the championship about 6 p.m.
The field includes Mesa Mountain View, Gilbert, Casa Grande, Safford, Westwood, Chandler Basha, Desert Mountain, Tempe Corona del Sol and Mesa.
Defending 3A champ Safford and Mountain View will be the favorites in the Blue pool; Corona and defending 5A-I champ Mesa are the favorites in the Orange. The Aztecs got their first crack at the Jackrabbits on Wednesday night and Mesa won 33-27.
Host Westwood should also be a force. The Warriors have won their first five matches.
Westwood’s Daniel Mendoza, Jared Montana and Cameron Teller are undefeated.
Looking ahead
Viva Las Vegas: Dobson heads to Vegas this weekend for a tournament. On Wednesday, Westwood is at Mesa and unbeaten Tempe Marcos de Niza is at Phoenix Brophy.
Contact Tom Gibbons: (480) 898-5904 (Ext. 1) or tribwrestling@yahoo.com
