BY TREVOR HORN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Natomas High School senior Jordan Sepeda defeated Victor Raygoza on a
take-down with 7.6 seconds remaining to win the 220-pound title at the 7th Annual Tim Brown Invitational Saturday, Jan. 19.
After losing to Raygoza at a tournament last weekend, Sepeda knew going into the Tim Brown the two could meet in the finals.
Sepeda pinned his first four opponents, including all three matches on day one Friday, Jan. 18, and a 30-second pin in the quarterfinals.
Sepeda had his hands full with Clovis West High School’s Cortes Morales, the 6th-ranked 220-pounder in the state, but was able to defeat Morales 10-7 in the semifinals and advance to the finals – and a redemption match – with Orland High School junior Raygoza.
In the finals, Sepeda took a quick shot at Raygoza’s legs and was able to spin around and secure the winning points just before the buzzer sounded, resulting in the loudest cheers from the packed-house crowd.
Sepeda has battled numerous injuries all season, but said his mental state is as important as physical strength at this point in the season.
“I get in the mindset and I get mentally strong,” Sepeda said. “I know I have to get the win. It worked out for the best.”
The Tim Brown wrestling tournament hosted 97 schools and 824 wrestlers
and is considered one of the late-season marquee tournaments in Northern California. The venue changed this season to the Sacramento Convention Center because the Memorial Auditorium is under re-construction.
NIGHTHAWKS’ JORDAN SEPEDA, SECOND FROM LEFT, ON THE PODIUM.
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