Several future varsity wrestlers for Valley Center High School competed in the annual L.A.Watts Summer Games. This was Valley Center’s sixth visit to this event. The tournament featured more than 350 contestants from all over Southern California and is a great opportunity for young wrestlers to gain valuable experience. 

Having his best day, sophomore Justin Macovichuk finished fifth with a 3-2 record at 119 pounds. Juniors Sam Polito (140 pounds), Justin Clifford (160 pounds) and Jesus Rubio (240 pounds) each finished with a respectable 2-2 overall record.  Junior Alex Lee (160 pounds), sophomore Tony Sudak (189 pounds) and Pedro Gonzalez (171 pounds) each battled for 1-2 records while Nick Stehly and Andrew Jauregui both finished 0-2.

"You can practice all the wrestling moves you want, lift all the weights you can, run the fastest times, but to really become a good wrestler you must also seek out competition," coach Clay Clifford offered as advice. The Jaguars thus will be taking advantage of several wrestling tournaments this summer.

The L.A. Watts Summer Games features baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.  The event is sponsored by the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce and has been held for the past 37 years (since 1968). It was established as a response to the Watts Riots as a way to help better unite the communities of Los Angeles. The event’s credo is: I will play fair, respect my opponent, win with integrity, lose with dignity, and above all, pursue the game with honor.

In 1970, the event began to involve participants from all over Southern California. To this day, it is estimated that more than 185,000 young athletes have competed. As a wrestling coach, Clifford said he has enjoyed bringing teams to the L.A. Watts Summer Games for the past 11 years and has made many friends from the L.A. area.