Two local heavyweight state contenders will face off on the mats at Eureka High on Wednesday, when the Loggers host the Del Norte Warriors in a pair of dual meets in wrestling.
The girls get the action started at 6 p.m., followed by the boys at 7, and all eyes will be on the girls matchup between Eureka’s Aracely Rendon and Del Norte’s Danika Scott, each of whom qualified for the CIF state championships as juniors a year ago and will be looking for a return trip in 2020.
Aracely, who normally wrestles at 189, will wrestle up for the meet in order to face off with the Del Norte standout.
The Eureka senior is currently ranked No. 5 in the state in her weight division after placing seventh at the state meet last winter.
Aracely has been ranked as high as No. 2 this season, but is coming off a series of tough matches against the No. 1, the No. 3 and the No. 4 wrestlers in California as she and the rest of the Eureka girls continue to push themselves.
“We’ve been chasing the competition,” said Eureka head coach Cecil Wilson, who has put up a lot of miles with his wrestlers this season traveling to big out-of-area tournaments in order to find top-notch competition.
This past weekend, the Loggers traveled to Del Oro, placing 20th as a team at the prestigious 57-team tourney.
Rendon placed second in her weight division, while teammate Sarah Grow continued her impressive season with a third-place finish at 123 pounds.
Two Eureka JVs also placed in their tournament, with Dayana DeLenn going 3-1 and placing third at 123, and Maizie Fugate finishing fourth at 145.
The Loggers traveled to the tournament short-handed, with six wrestlers missing for a variety of reasons.
The experienced Helena Rogers also is enjoying a big campaign for the Loggers at 162 pounds, including a big showing at the very prestigious Napa tournament, which includes 147 teams, as well as a third-place finish at the recent Tournament of Champions in Rocklin.
Slate Delsman (123) and Evelyn Lopez-Mata (150) each also are enjoying big seasons for the Loggers.
