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Photo by Hugh Cox.
Photo by Hugh Cox.
Posted: Dec 04, 2024

Wrestling Prepares for 3C2A SoCal Regionals After a Stellar 2024 Season

SAN MARCOS, CA (12/4/2024) -- The Palomar College wrestling team enters this weekend's 3C2A SoCal Regionals at East Los Angeles College with high expectations, following a remarkable 2024 campaign. Throughout the season, the team consistently demonstrated their strength, depth, and resilience, earning multiple tournament titles and cementing their place among California's elite community college wrestling programs.

Season Highlights

1. Team Triumphs:

  • Santa Ana Invitational (October 5): Palomar made a strong statement, finishing second in the team standings with standout individual performances, including champions like Caden Hanover (125 lbs.) and key medalists across multiple weight classes.
  • Southern Regional Duals (October 19): The Comets battled through intense competition to finish as runners-up, with victories against Rio Hondo College and Victor Valley College, ultimately falling to powerhouse Mt. San Antonio in the finals.
  • Meathead Movers Invitational (October 26): Palomar delivered their most dominant performance of the season, capturing the team title with a commanding 179.5 points. Individual champions included Hanover (125 lbs.), Diego Peraza (141 lbs.), Joe Anthony Perez (157 lbs.), and Ivan Natceli (184 lbs.).

2. Individual Standouts:

  • Caden Hanover (125 lbs.): A force throughout the season, Hanover clinched multiple tournament titles, showcasing his technical skills and consistent dominance in his weight class.
  • Diego Peraza (141 lbs.): Peraza emerged as one of the team's most reliable competitors, regularly finishing atop the podium and providing crucial points in dual meets and tournaments.
  • Joe Anthony Perez (157 lbs.): Perez demonstrated a knack for big wins, securing top finishes and playing a vital role in the team's overall success.
  • Dylan Henry (197 lbs.) and Mustafa Farha (285 lbs.): Both wrestlers provided critical depth in the upper weight classes, regularly placing in top spots and contributing to Palomar's team totals.

Road to the SoCal Regionals

The SoCal Regionals represent the next big test for the Comets, as they face off against tough opponents, including Mt. San Antonio, Cerritos, and Rio Hondo. With the stakes higher than ever, Palomar looks to build on their season's momentum and secure spots at the state championships.

What to Watch

  • Key Weight Classes: Palomar boasts strong competitors in the 125-lb., 141-lb., 157-lb., and 184-lb. divisions, where they've consistently excelled all season.
  • Depth in the Lineup: Beyond individual standouts, Palomar's ability to place multiple wrestlers in scoring positions will be crucial to their success.
  • Team Momentum: Coming off a season-high performance at the Meathead Movers Invitational, Palomar enters the Regionals with confidence and a winning mentality.

Final Thoughts

As the 2024 season nears its culmination, the Palomar wrestling team has much to be proud of and even more to look forward to. With a strong season behind them and a talented roster ready to compete, the Comets are poised to make a deep run at the SoCal Regionals and beyond.