Turlock High’s wrestlers earned their seventh Central California Conference title since 2002 on Wednesday with their dual victory over Pitman High. The Bulldogs (5-0 CCC) entered Pitman’s gym with an undefeated league record and 23 straight dual wins behind them. The 53-22 win over the Pride (2-3 CCC) made it 24 straight dual wins for Turlock, making them the team to beat at the Section team duals today.

“It always feels good, especially having not won the last two years,” Turlock’s head coach Mike Contreras said. “It feels good to be back where we belong and where we’ve been so many times before.”

The dual opened up at the 220 pound weight class where Pitman standout Kyle Martinez put the Pride on top with a pin. Turlock’s heavyweight Ricardo Garcia won the very next match with a pin of his own to tie the team score 6-6. From there Turlock took the lead and never looked back. The Bulldogs ended up winning 10 matches to Pitman’s four with seven of the wins by fall, including three forfeits. In addition to Garcia, Rafael Herrera and Erick Parsons recorded pins for Turlock. Bulldogs Albino Orozco and Dylan White also contributed bonus points with victories by major decision.

“The kids worked really hard,” Contreras said. “They deserve some recognition and pats on the back.”

Pitman’s four match wins consisted of three pins and a major decision. Hayden Mattox and Braulio Cordero joined Martinez in the pin column and Logan Wolfley recorded the major decision.

Turlock and Pitman are currently competing in the team duals at Lincoln High in Stockton, where the Bulldogs have the chance to make their CCC championship official with a team victory. Golden Valley High (4-1 CCC), whose lone defeat came at the hands of Turlock, will be the Bulldogs’ main competition and can become co-champions with a team victory today.

To contact Frankie Tovar, e-mail ftovar@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.