Carlos Garcia Ruiz {Left}. finishes fourth in Regionals. {Coral Glades Athletics}
By: Matt Rothman
Coral Glades wrestler Carlos Garcia Ruiz became the first Jaguar in five years to advance to the State Championship on Saturday.
After winning the BCAA and District Championship, Garcia advanced to the semifinals after a pair of wins on Friday. He then finished in fourth place to secure his spot in States.
“Carlos has worked his butt off to make it to State,” said Head Coach Cam Thomas.” He was disqualified last year for a skin condition in regionals and took it personally this year. I’m very proud of him, and he deserves it.”
Sine Garcia Ruiz was the only local one to make it to Staes, wrestlers from Coral Springs High School J.P. Taravella and Coral Springs Charter fought hard. Shai Keery and Sebastian Bolt combined to win three matches for the Colts. Abraham Ballesteros, Angel Santiago, Jacob Rosen, Victor Dixon, Chris Cenoble, and Tariq Qaiyim had wins for JPT.
Peter Mocco and Preston Lindsay made it to the semifinals, while Keon Taylor won two matches and finished his high school career with 120 wins. Hunter Perez picked up his 4oth win this year, while his brother Elijah Perez and Owyn Vargas had victories in Regionals.
“I could not have asked for better captains this year in Hunter and Keon,” said Head Coach Eric Perez. “Not only did they help mentor the younger wrestlers on the team daily, but they also led by example. Although they didn’t qualify for the state tournament, they are still champs in my book.”
Hunter Perez and Keon Taylor. {Eric Perez}
Next, Garcia Ruiz is set to compete in States on Saturday, March 2-4, in Kissimmee.
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Author Profile
- Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student. He also works for the Mohave Valley Daily News in Bullhead City, Arizona covering high school sports.
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