The Turlock Youth Wrestling Club recently completed its Folkstyle season, competing in and walking away from the 17th Annual Suplay Reno Worlds Wrestling Tournament with five medalists. Now, the Turlock club is kicking off its Greco season in today’s Greco State Tournament which is being held at Fresno’s Selland Arena.

“It was awesome; it was a big payoff for all the work we do. We probably work the hardest out of everybody in the area as far as wrestling clubs go,” Coach Andy York said of his team’s success at Reno Worlds. “They felt kind of vindicated for all the wall they’ve been running.”

Turlock’s big five from its final folkstyle competition were Jerimiah and Isiah Bertalotto, who finished a respective 2nd and 3rd in the 55 pound bracket of the 6 and under division; Ethan Ward, who finished 6th in the 50 pound bracket of the 8 and under division; Juan Mora Jr., who finished 6th in the 130 pound bracket of the 10 and under division; and Hailey Ward, who emerged as the champion of the 70 pound bracket of the 14 and under girls division.

“We were excited we had finalists. Last year we only had one medalist, and this year we have five. So that was a nice change,” York said.

Hailey Ward earned her 70 pound title by going undefeated in her bracket and, most notably, defeating the Nevada Girls State champion Reese Larramendy in a 5-2, comeback win. It was Ward’s second tournament championship this season as she also took first in the California State Tournament.

“She beat some tough girls at Reno. She earned it,” York said.

The Bertalotto brothers also had a big day at Reno Worlds as they all but dominated their competition from different ends of the same bracket. Both lost to Dominic Wilson of the Tulare Titans —Jeremiah lost to Wilson via pin in the finals match despite holding an 11-0 lead —but the brothers also both defeated the highly vaunted Tulsa National Champion.

“That was pretty cool, they were wrestling the same time. They were kind of running it,” York said.

Turlock is now looking to carry over its success into Greco and eventually Freestyle competition. The team will bring more than 20 wrestlers to Fresno for the State Tournament.

“We’re excited about the future and all that these kids are going to be doing. We’re just real proud of them,” York said.