The Willow Glen Resident

Duran, Von Rueden place at Santa Clara

By Dick Sparrer

Phil Luna expects Lupe Duran and Mike Von Rueden to finish among the leaders in the Blossom Valley Athletic League when the wrestling season ends this winter.

And why wouldn't he? After all, they're among the leaders right now as the season begins.

Duran and Von Rueden each placed at the rugged Ed Axline Tournament at Santa Clara last Saturday. Duran finished fifth at 119 pounds, and Von Rueden came through with a fifth at 215.

The solid showing proved a good start to what Luna hopes will be a very good season for his Rams. "This season looks like it could be Willow Glen's first championship since 1968," Luna said. "We have eight quality varsity wrestlers."

Duran and Von Rueden top the list.

Duran was fourth in the BVAL last season and has a "good chance for a league championship this year," said the coach. Von Rueden was seventh at the league finals last winter.

Miguel Gutierrez moves up to the varsity after winning the BVAL junior varsity title a year ago. Gutierrez will compete at 130 pounds for the Rams.

Rodney Turco (160) and Henry Chavez (135) are top young prospects for the Rams.

Willow Glen finished 3-3 in the Santa Teresa Division of the BVAL last season, and Luna figures his Rams for a first or second place finish this year.

"Our big matches will be against Leigh and Silver Creek," he said.

Willow Glen opens the league season at Yerba Buena on Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m., before heading to the Far West Championships at Clovis on Friday.

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