Wrestling: Sophomore quickly becoming a state standout

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If there’s any reason to start paying attention to high school wrestling, Morgan McIntosh may just be it.

McIntosh, a Santa Ana Calvary Chapel sophomore, won the state title in the 171-pound class last weekend in Bakersfield. He’s only 16, and he repeatedly took down upperclassmen, including senior Jordan Williams of Placerville El Dorado, 12-7, in the final match, on his way to his first state title.

McIntosh, of Costa Mesa, finished the year undefeated at 42-0. He was also voted Champion of Champions, an award given to the tournament’s best wrestler and voted on by the 14 individual state champion wrestlers. It was the first time the award was given to a sophomore, said Calvary Chapel Coach Arsen Aleksanyan.

The key to McIntosh’s success, Aleksanyan said, is not only his talent but an unmatched work ethic. “He’s in better shape than anyone he’s wrestled all year,” Aleksanyan said.

Calvary Chapel, traditionally strong in wrestling, didn’t field any other individual state champions. But as a school, it finished fifth overall in the state, the highest it has placed since 2004. Locally, the school won the Southern Section, Central Division title.

-- James Wagner