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All seven Jacket wrestlers place at league tourney
Hilmar wrestling pic
Hilmars Elijah Moon defeats Ryan Stiner of Riverbank during the consolation semifinals of Saturdays TVL Tournament. - photo by IKE DODSON / The Journal

Hilmar High completed its Trans Valley League wrestling season with a fourth place team finish at Saturday’s TVL league tournament—impressive considering the Yellowjackets' seven-man roster.

“It’s tough with only half of the weight classes but fourth is awesome for only seven varsity kids,” Hilmar’s assistant coach Howie Tremble said.

Saturday’s performance ensured all seven ‘Jackets a spot in Friday and Saturday’s Divisional Tournament at Lyndhurst High.

Antonio Melo secured his return to Divisionals with a first place finish at the TVL League Tournament while Jesus Izazaga, Matt LaBass, and Freddy Delgadillo nabbed second place. Tommy Diaz and Victor Verissimo finished in third place and Elijah Moon qualified with a fourth place finish.

“More or less that’s what we expected,” Tremble said. “We had a good first round and it solidified our kids moving on.”

Melo will enter Friday’s competition as Hilmar’s strongest wrestler as he eyes a State Tournament appearance to cap his senior year.

“He’s tearing it up from last year,” Tremble said. “He has a vision, he’s doing well, and he’s been putting in the work and the effort, so it’s been really cool to watch.”