Premier wrestling tournament set to begin

The 44th annual Five Counties Invitational Wrestling Tournament begins Friday at the Fountain Valley gymnasium.

The two-day event, also known as “The Beast of the West” is the third-ranked high school wrestling tournament in the nation and a precursor to the California state meet, Fountain Valley wrestling Coach Brad Woodbury said.

The tournament will feature 11 of the top-ranked wrestlers in 14 weight classes in the state, as well as 10 wrestlers in those divisions who are ranked second in the state, Woodbury said.

This year, 99 teams will converge on the Fountain Valley gym to try to wrestle away the team title that Poway High of the CIF San Diego Section has won the past four tournaments.

In addition to Fountain Valley, two other local schools — Huntington Beach and Marina — will compete in the tournament.

“This year, the quality of individual wrestlers and teams have improved,” Woodbury said. “I am looking forward to the great match-ups and battles that this tournament always provides the wrestling community. I can’t wait for the finals.”

First-round matches begin at 11 a.m. Friday and continue until 9 p.m. The action continues at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Finals matches and presentations will take place between 4 and 7:15 p.m.

— Mike Sciacca