HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS : Clovis Gets Past Valhalla for Second Title in a Row

STOCKTON —  Clovis High won its second consecutive CIF State wrestling championship by the barest of margins Saturday night at the University of the Pacific’s Spanos Center.

Clovis defeated Valhalla of San Diego, 88 1/2 to 87, before a sellout crowd of 6,000.

It was the fifth title for Clovis since the State meet was first held in 1973. No other school has won more than three.

Leading Valhalla by 5 1/2 points going into the championship round, Clovis needed a victory from Jimmy Aguirre at 125 pounds to clinch the title. Aguirre defeated Detran Gant of Fresno Roosevelt, 4-2, for his third career title.

Gant, who had beaten Aguirre three times in five matches coming into the match, won the 112-pound title last season. Both are seniors.

Tony Okada of Anaheim Savanna overpowered Curtis Alkire of Monache in the 135-pound final.

Trying for a second consecutive heavyweight title, Josh Gormley of West Torrance was pinned by Darin Preisendorf of American 2 minutes 45 seconds into their semifinal match.