Issue Date: 9/19/05
Wrestling drops season opener
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The Byron Campbell era has begun for the Palomar wrestling program.
Campbell, 32, got his first taste of collegiate head coaching Sept. 10, a bittersweet 35-15 loss to Fresno City College at the Dome.
Fresno City, the third ranked team in the state at the end of last season, took control of the night with two early pinfalls in the first two matches and never looked back in defeating the Comets.
"It was kind of frustrating," Campbell said. "It shows us where we're at, good or bad."
Despite the losing the opener, Campbell is optimistic about the Comets prospects for long-term success, but isn't expecting immediate dividends.
"I don't think we have the talent this year so we are going to have to win in other areas." Campbell said. "I expect us to be better in toughness, shape and strength. Overall, I was happy we didn't (fizzle) out."
Dan Castro recorded Palomar's first win of the season, a dominating pinfall of Mike Righi in the 141-pound weight class.
Castro didn't allow Righi to record a point before pinning him with 23 seconds remaining in the second round.
"I have high expectations for this season," Castro said. "It's a good wake-up call for me to see where I am."
Louie DeSantis and Duane Guile battled but lost close decisions in the following two bouts.
Deantis' match was particularly frustrating to Campbell.
Down 8-6 late in the third and final round, Desantis seemingly had an opportunity for a maneuver that could have catapulted him to victory. He instead opted for a more high-risk move, which was countered by opponent Sinai Pezzat, a counter that gave him two points and a 10-6 match win.
"Louie is a good wrestler and he is going to get better," Campbell said of Desantis undisciplined attempt. "He showed talent and heart but needed discipline in that situation. And we'll work on that."
After losses by Brandon Widner and Mike Cascioppo, Palomar finished the night positively with a win from heavyweight Tyler McKay.
Ryan Nejal recorded the only other victory for the Comets, a second round pinfall of an overmatched Eric Sanchez in the 174-pound class.
As a brand new head coach, Campbell recognizes the importance of winning but emphasizes other important factors in running a program.
Campbell holds double practices three times a week, something the sophomores didn't experience last season. He also takes a major personal involvement in each wrestler.
And they're already noticing.
"He relates to us well," said sophomore Duane Guile. "If we're having trouble with anything he's there for us. I had some personal issues over the summer and he was right there for me."
Another sophomore appreciates the hands-on approach of his' new head coach.
"If you are late to practice, Byron will call you right away," Castro said. "He accounts for everybody and makes sure you are committed."
Campbell, 32, got his first taste of collegiate head coaching Sept. 10, a bittersweet 35-15 loss to Fresno City College at the Dome.
Fresno City, the third ranked team in the state at the end of last season, took control of the night with two early pinfalls in the first two matches and never looked back in defeating the Comets.
"It was kind of frustrating," Campbell said. "It shows us where we're at, good or bad."
Despite the losing the opener, Campbell is optimistic about the Comets prospects for long-term success, but isn't expecting immediate dividends.
"I don't think we have the talent this year so we are going to have to win in other areas." Campbell said. "I expect us to be better in toughness, shape and strength. Overall, I was happy we didn't (fizzle) out."
Dan Castro recorded Palomar's first win of the season, a dominating pinfall of Mike Righi in the 141-pound weight class.
Castro didn't allow Righi to record a point before pinning him with 23 seconds remaining in the second round.
"I have high expectations for this season," Castro said. "It's a good wake-up call for me to see where I am."
Louie DeSantis and Duane Guile battled but lost close decisions in the following two bouts.
Deantis' match was particularly frustrating to Campbell.
Down 8-6 late in the third and final round, Desantis seemingly had an opportunity for a maneuver that could have catapulted him to victory. He instead opted for a more high-risk move, which was countered by opponent Sinai Pezzat, a counter that gave him two points and a 10-6 match win.
"Louie is a good wrestler and he is going to get better," Campbell said of Desantis undisciplined attempt. "He showed talent and heart but needed discipline in that situation. And we'll work on that."
After losses by Brandon Widner and Mike Cascioppo, Palomar finished the night positively with a win from heavyweight Tyler McKay.
Ryan Nejal recorded the only other victory for the Comets, a second round pinfall of an overmatched Eric Sanchez in the 174-pound class.
As a brand new head coach, Campbell recognizes the importance of winning but emphasizes other important factors in running a program.
Campbell holds double practices three times a week, something the sophomores didn't experience last season. He also takes a major personal involvement in each wrestler.
And they're already noticing.
"He relates to us well," said sophomore Duane Guile. "If we're having trouble with anything he's there for us. I had some personal issues over the summer and he was right there for me."
Another sophomore appreciates the hands-on approach of his' new head coach.
"If you are late to practice, Byron will call you right away," Castro said. "He accounts for everybody and makes sure you are committed."