And with a roster as talented as that, Clovis is not only looking for another state title, but to do so with the most points ever scored in the tournament. Bakersfield holds the record, with 226.5 points in 2002. The Cougars had 186 last season.
“With this team, we’re very capable of doing that,” said Nick Nevills, who became the first freshman heavyweight state champion last season. “Each person is working hard. And we’ve got a lot of young guys pushing the older guys.”
The coaching staff of the state’s premier wrestling program makes no apologies for their pursuit of the record.
“If you don’t have goals and you don’t push yourself to reach further, you stagnate,” Clovis assistant coach Adam Tirapelle said.
“We’re trying to get the most out of every single kid. If that results in a record, great. If not, at least every single kid pushed as hard as they can go.”
College-bound
In addition to Reyes, Clovis’ Zach Nevills and Davies have also made their college choices.
Both are going to Stanford.
Nevills — who was the heaviest freshman ever to medal when he placed fifth at 171 in 2009, a record later eclipsed by his brother Nick — has already signed with the Cardinal.
Davies has given an oral commitment and was recently accepted into the Pac-12 school academically.
Reyes, meanwhile, is excited to be headed to Illinois, where he said he would redshirt his freshman year.
“I’m looking forward to getting to that level,” Reyes said. “The Big Ten to wrestling is like the SEC of football.”
The reporter can be reached at nickg@fresnobee.com or (559) 622-2407. Follow him on Twitter: @NickG_FB.
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School: Clovis
Grade: Sophomore
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