A Change Helps Melendez Get Better

After his freshman year, Gilbert Melendez believed the only way he could improve as a wrestler was to transfer to a high school with a superior program.

So, taking advantage of the Santa Ana Unified School District’s open enrollment policy, he left Century High and enrolled at Santa Ana, where he is beginning his senior season.

“It’s nothing against Century, but I wanted to get better,” Melendez said. “And for me, Santa Ana was the answer.

“I knew they had a great program, but when I had a chance to wrestle with the team, I knew this was my place. The team and coaches not only motivated me, but the team also had heart, and that was important to me.”

Melendez wrestled at 103 pounds as a freshman but now competes in the 125-pound division.

He was 13-8 for the junior varsity at Century. His sophomore season at Santa Ana, he won the Golden West League’s JV championship. Last season, he moved up to varsity and was second in the Southern Section Division II finals, third at Masters and went 2-2 at the state finals.

“He’s come a long way,” said Scott Glabb, who’s starting his 10th season as coach at Santa Ana. “He works hard and he should go far this year.”

But wrestling skills aside, Glabb said Melendez has become part of the Santa Ana wrestling family.

“He’s a great kid. His parents did a good job raising him. He’s well-liked by his coaches, teammates and teachers, and he’ll go far.”

Said Melendez: “It’s not just a team. We’re all very close, and I don’t think too many teams are like this.”

Melendez said he has improved on the technical aspects of his sport under Glabb but added the coach’s conditioning workouts are what set the Saints’ program apart.

“If I’m equal to somebody on the mat in strength and technique, it will always come down to conditioning,” Melendez said. “So in the third period, when it gets really tough, my opponent might be gassing but I’ll be ready.”

Glabb said his wrestlers actually look forward to matches that go into overtime.

“Last year, when [Jose] Leon went into overtime during his championship match at Masters, he clapped his hands,” Glabb said. “So while the other guy was dragging his feet and breathing hard, Leon is clapping, saying, ‘Yeah, I’m ready for this.’ ”

Melendez, who is second in the county coaches’ preseason individual rankings behind defending state champion Michael Simpson of Brethren Christian, said his goal this season is simple: beat Simpson and win a state title.

“Sure, why not?” Glabb said. “I think it’s a very good goal. Simpson beat up on us pretty good the last couple of years. And I believe you have to set your sights high.”

Melendez might get to test himself against Simpson as early as today, at the El Dorado Classic.

Besides teams from Santa Ana and Brethren Christian, the two-day, 32-team tournament will include Villa Park, Poway and El Cajon Valhalla.

EAGLES SET TO FLY AGAIN

While the transfer of Tony Aparicio from Loara to Calvary Chapel has been the focus of attention on the Eagles’ program this season, Coach John Azevedo said there is another wrestler he expects to shine.

“Anthony Archuleta will definitely be someone to watch this season,” Azevedo said. “If he stays healthy, he should have a good year and could be a contender at state.”

Archuleta is third in the preseason rankings at 103 pounds.

“We have a pretty solid lineup, and with Aparicio, Archuleta, Adam Bones, Steve Esparza, Adam Benetiz and Andy Tufnel, we should have a good season,” Azevedo said.

Calvary Chapel will be on the road next week at the Clovis Shootout.

“It’ll be a good test since we’re ranked first in the state and [Clovis is] second,” Azevedo said.

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