Team M Prospects Gold And Silver in Las Vegas
Three members of the local Team M wrestling program brought home gold and silver medals after placing first and second at the Freakshow tournament in Las Vegas.
Mark “Little Mark” Cardwell placed first in the high school elite division at 170 pounds, while Jose “Joser” Flores took second in the 15u division at 137 pounds. In the high school girls elite division at 116 pounds, Charlotte “CK” Kouyoumtjian finished second.
Held on Oct. 21 and 22 at the Westgate Hotel and Resort, the Freakshow tournament is one of the nation’s toughest pre-season tournaments of the year and consists of over 3000 participants from ages 5-18 years old.
Against tough competition Cardwell performed out of his mind. He dominated the field of elite wrestling, by not only beating state placers from other states, but also defeating two state qualifiers from California in the semifinals and finals. In the finals, Cardwell displayed his overpowering abilities and only surrendered 2 points to his opponent while scoring 6. By winning this tournament, Cardwell became the first Team M member to bringing home gold.
Kouyoumtjian had an outstanding tournament. After starting 2-0, she lost to her third opponent in a close match 4-2. Kouyoumtjian did not lose again and ran off seven consecutive victories including a 5-3 win over returning CIF state medalist senior, Melanie Mendoza of Selma. By winning seven matches in a row Kouyoumtjian finished 2nd overall and brought home silver.
Flores also wrestled an outstanding tournament. He started with a first round victory by pin, but lost his second match 2-0 to Borba of Oakdale CA. Determined not to let that stop him and his goal of placing at this prestigious tournament, Flores went on to win seven matches in a row in dominating fashion while pinning four opponents in a row and winning his last match 9-6. He also finished second overall and brought home silver.
Team M brought along two other members in: Steven Sengprachanh in the U10 age group at 89 pounds and Jasmine Sengprechanh in the middle school girls division at 98 pounds. The two did not place but wrestled extremely well throughout the tournament and gained some valuable experience by participating over the weekend.