Hector Ramirez Tops in 149-lb Class at Annual Brawl at ELAC

by Cerwin D Haynes

East LA College Wrestling hosted their annual "The Brawl at ELAC" today with 13 schools participating, including four club teams from the university level.

Seven Huskies took to the mat today, competing in five different weight classes. The top performer for the Pack was Hector Ramirez, who won first place in the 149-lb weight class. He earned gold by defeating Brian Dryer of Rio Hondo in the first place match via decision, 11-6. He continues his strong 2023 campaign: he grabbed first place last Saturday at the SEC Championships and is 12-5 overall for the season.

The other ELAC participants were Ernie Sanchez and John Islas (133lb), Anthony Diaz (141lb), Herb Challapa (165lb), Raymond Malo Gonzalez and Jonathan Vega (285lb). Vega finished fourth, and has an overall record of 8-6 on the year.

Cerritos won the tournament with an overall team score of 189.5 points. East LA finished 10th with 46 points.

HUSKY BITS

• Retired ELAC coach and Hall of Famer Ralph Valle was on hand, and recalled that he coached Ramirez's father - also named Hector Ramirez - back in 1999-2000.

UP NEXT:

The Pack will be off Thanksgiving week, and then prepare for the South (or SoCal) Regionals on Saturday, December 2, down at Palomar College. The Regionals will determine who qualifies for the 3C2A State Championships, which will be held at Cuesta on December 8 and 9.