Published on January, 8th 2007

Local Report —

YVCC wrestlers get noticed at invitational 

PORTLAND- The Yakima Valley Community College wrestling team turned some heads with strong performances at the Portland State University Invitational on Sunday. 

Three Yaks placed at the event-the first time anybody had placed since 1998-and that drew some attention.  Ricky Valadez at 141 pounds and Tyler Adams (133) took third-place finishes, and Darren Frasquillo (125) was fifth. 

“It felt pretty good to have (Division I) coaches giving you kudos for your guys hanging with the university guys,” YVCC co-coach Mike Schmitt said. 

Valadez finished 4-1 at the event and just missed a shot at the finals, losing 5-3 in overtime to Oregon wrestler Tracy Elliot.  He defeated Simon Fraser’s Bo Gregson to take third.  Adams went 5-1 in his matches and defeated Oregon State’s Cliffton Ivanoff 5-2 to take third.  Frasquillo went 3-2 at the invite, defeating Simon Fraser’s Rafic Charnia 8-4 in his placing match