Team of the Week: Palomar College sending wrestlers to state meet

Palomar is the only college in San Diego County with wrestling as part of the athletics lineup, which creates both benefits and problems for Comets coach Timothy Box.

Scheduling can be a problem. Then again, if you want to wrestle intercollegiate in the area, Palomar is your only option outside of UC San Diego’s club program.

“But we don’t want wrestlers coming to Palomar because it’s their only option,” Box said recently. “We want wrestlers joining us because we’re the best options for their future.”

Which is one of the reasons Helix High School star Jakar Carter elected to attend Palomar.

“I was apprehensive about college wrestling when I was finishing high school,” said Carter. “I was unsure what was next for me. Then my mom met Coach Box at a tournament and told me he was someone I should talk with. I’m super glad that I did, and that I’m here. Not a single person here is unhappy with their decision to come to Palomar. And it’s cool that we’re the only college with wrestling. A lot of guys I competed against are now teammates.

“I think it’s a great program. The coaches know what they are doing. It feels good to wrestle for them. I’ve jumped up a couple steps since I got to Palomar.”

And now Carter, a criminal justice major, is receiving scholarship offers from four-year programs.

Despite its isolation, Palomar is perennially one of the stronger wrestling programs in the California Community College Athletic Association.

The Comets finished third in the state last year and are sending nine wrestlers to this weekend’s 3C2A championships at Sierra College in Rocklin. Palomar is currently ranked seventh in the state and finished fourth in the dual meet championships of the recent Southern California Regionals.

And Box believes the Comets’ young women’s program could compete for the state title during their season, which runs from January through May.

“I’m excited to see how we do this weekend,” said Box. “I like the attitude in the room. I think we could surprise people. We’re young and we had some wrestlers take a step ahead at the Southern California Regionals.”

Six of the nine Comets advancing to the state championships are freshmen. And Palomar had two finalists in the regionals who just missed out on championships and two others who placed third.

“If things go right, I could see Sebastian Anderson and Carter winning titles and Sergio Porras and Ivan Natalli contending,” said Box. “Anderson and Carter deserved to win regional titles. Carter looks really good.”

Each lost championship matches to finish second in the regionals.

Carter, a sophomore, lost a decisive point on a disputed stalling call to finish second at 197 pounds. “I’m not mad about it,” said Carter. “It was a close call and it’s been a bad habit of mine. But I competed much better in a tough match.”

Anderson, a freshman from Westview High View, lost a close championship match at 184 pounds.

“I think this team is ready to put our efforts together,” said Anderson. “Everyone has been improving and having fun. A common bond on this team is the sense of humor we share. That makes everything easier and fun. We like being together.”

Porras, a freshman San Diego Masters champion from Granite Hills High School, finished third at 147 pounds, while sophomore Natcelli was third in the regionals at 174 pounds. Box believes both could also reach a championship match.

Also representing Palomar College at the state championships are: sophomore Nick Rodriguez (Cathedral Catholic; 149 pounds, fourth at the Regionals); freshman Seth Iten (fifth, 174 pounds); freshman Marvin Morton (seventh, 157 pounds); freshman Nick Garris (Valley Center High; seventh, 197 pounds), and freshman Alejandro Scolari (Chula Vista High, seventh, 285 pounds).

“We’re focusing on podium finishes,” said Box.

This isn’t the coach’s only team. Box coaches Palomar’s women’s wrestlers, and is head coach of the U.S. Beach Wrestling Team.

“It’s an international sport and its own unique style,” explained Box. “It’s a cross between Sumo and ancient wrestling in the sand. It’s all on your feet. If anything touches the sand except for your feet or hands, you lose.”

Box had had wrestlers from Palomar join him in his Team USA Beach Wrestling program.

“It’s pretty much year-round. The men now, the women later and Beach Wrestling in the summer.”

Every week during the school year, U-T contributor Bill Center highlights one San Diego college team that’s making strides on and off the field. To nominate a team, email wcenter27@gmail.com.