Local wrestlers qualify for nationwide tournament

From March 26-28, Burton Middle School could conceivably be sending more wrestlers to the Middle Schools Nationals wrestling tournament than any other middle school in the state, if not the entire country.

Four eighth-graders — Matt Gamble, Mason Pengilly Greg Pagela and Richie Galindo — represented Burton and the city of Porterville well with top-ranked finishes in the California Super Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 21 at Azusa Pacific University.

After cruising through the regional Southern Divisionals tournament, these four faced the stiffest tests of their young careers and still dominated.

The 85-pound Gamble won all four of his matches including his championship match against Durbin Loren, out of Fresno.

Pengilly pinned all five of his opponents, his most impressive against Los Angeles’ No. 1-ranked Anthony Valencia.

Pagela rallied to take down No. 1 Nicholas Villareal, of Gilroy, 5-4, with .8 left in the finals.

Galindo also went undefeated at 3-0.

As a result, all four state-ranked wrestlers qualified for Middle Schools Nationals in Illinois and hope to raise enough money to represent California.

They’ll each need to raise $950 to cover the expenses of the trip.

For those interested in donating, contact coach George Reneau at Burton Middle School at 781-2671 or 359-4394.