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Photo by Hugh Cox.
Photo by Hugh Cox.
Posted: Oct 19, 2024

Palomar Takes Runner-Up Spot at 2024 3C2A Southern Regional Dual Team Championships

CERRITOS, CA (10/19/2024) -- The 2024 3C2A Southern Regional Dual Team Championships, hosted by Cerritos College, brought intense competition as some of California's top community college wrestling teams battled for regional supremacy. In a powerful display of skill and resilience, Palomar College wrestled its way to an impressive second-place finish, only falling to the formidable Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in the championship round.

Championship Round Highlights: Mt. SAC vs. Palomar College

Palomar entered the final dual against Mt. SAC with determination but ultimately fell short, with Mt. SAC taking the title by a score of 34-9. Despite the overall team loss, several Palomar wrestlers delivered outstanding individual performances:

  • 125 lbs.: Caden Hanover started strong for Palomar, earning a decisive 9-2 decision over Rylan Madrid from Mt. SAC. Hanover's victory was a promising opening, demonstrating his technical prowess and setting a strong tone for Palomar.

  • 141 lbs.: Diego Peraza put on an impressive performance in a close match, defeating Jason Saenz 9-7. Peraza's tactical approach and ability to edge out his opponent highlighted his resilience on the mat.

  • 157 lbs.: Joe Anthony Perez scored a significant win for Palomar with a 12-8 decision over Brian Geiger. Perez's control and calculated maneuvers throughout the match showcased his skill and contributed to Palomar's points.

While Hanover, Peraza, and Perez secured wins, Mt. SAC's depth proved challenging, particularly in the heavier weight classes, where they notched a series of pins and technical falls. Notably, Ricardo Ponce (133 lbs.) and Maxximus Martinez (165 lbs.) added falls for Mt. SAC, while Mo Talebi (197 lbs.) and Roman Loya (184 lbs.) dominated their matches with technical falls.

Palomar's Road to the Finals

Palomar's journey to the finals was marked by gritty performances that demonstrated the team's depth and determination. As the #5 seed, Palomar battled through a challenging field to secure their second-place finish in the highly competitive Southern Regional. This achievement reflects Palomar's season-long commitment to rigorous training and strategic excellence across all weight classes.

Looking Forward

This strong finish at the Southern Regional Duals solidifies Palomar College's status as one of the top wrestling programs in California community colleges this season. With standout individual performers like Caden Hanover, Diego Peraza, and Joe Anthony Perez, Palomar is well-positioned to carry momentum into the upcoming state championships. The team will look to build on this experience, refining strategies and honing skills to challenge California's best in their next tournament.

In a field stacked with talent, Palomar College's second-place performance at the Southern Regional Dual Championships highlights the team's growing strength and determination, making them a force to be reckoned with in the state rankings.