Carson wrestlers in first at Coronado

The Carson High wrestling team is shaking things up at the Coronado Invitational in Henderson.

Nine Carson wrestlers advanced to today's semifinals as the Senators have surprised 15 other Southern Nevada schools in the event, taking first place after the first day on Friday.

Carson has 88 points and leads second place Palo Verdo (84.5) and third place Green Valley (73.0). The semifinals and finals will be held today.

"Basically we look like we're in better shape and technically more sound than a lot of schools down here," Carson coach Dean Schmanski said. "We're in better condition than some of the other teams.

All 14 of Carson's wrestlers are still alive heading into today's action. Making the semifinals were:

Eric Aguilera (112 pounds), Chris White (135), Paul Carter (140), Loren Wooldridge (145), Micah Whitcome (152), Chris Ceccarelli (160), Allen Wooldridge (189), Nich Shine (215) and Jason Klug (heavyweight).

Aguilera and White each won both of their matches by pins to advance to the semifinals. Wooldridge and Whitcome each won their quarterfinal matches by pin and Carter won his quarterfinal match by technical fall.

Shine was dominant, winning 19-4 and 10-3. Klug won his first round match by pin and won 15-12 to advance to the semifinals. Cecarelli beat Basic's Brandon Scott 9-6 to advance to the semifinals. Wooldridge won by pin and beat Bonzanza's Mark Seward 12-8.

Kevin Riggin narrowly missed making the semifinals at 119. He opened with an 8-2 win before losing to Cheyenne's Cody Racine 14-11. At 130, Sergio Calvillo won by pin before losing 8-4 in the quarterfinals.

Also still alive for Carson are Mark Graham (103), Tyler Preston (125) and Anthony Nunez (171).