Rim wrestling a formidable opponent

The Fighting Scots’ wrestling team at Rim of the World High School proved, once again, that they are a force to be reckoned with.

At the December 4 Beresford wrestling tournament, Rim captured third place out of 18 participating teams from throughout the Southland, including Beverly Hills High School, Coachella Valley, Woodbridge from Yucca Valley and Aliso Viejo from Orange County.

Capturing first place in the Beresford tournament was Orange County’s Aliso Niguel High School, while Redlands East Valley High School won second place.

One of the stand-out players for Rim is 14-year-old freshman Jed Jackson, a 108-pound lightweight varsity team member, who has consistently placed first in his division.

“I’m doing pretty good so far,” Jed said. His coach said he believes Jed will be one of the team’s top wrestlers for years to come.

Another outstanding Rim wrestler is 152-pound Angel Sosa, who beat Geraldo Mederos of Coachella with an astounding score of 11-1.

When asked whether any of his team’s players had a parent who is rich or famous, Beverly Hills Coach Ryan Faintich said, “No, all the rich kids go to private schools.” However, he did say that, about 12 years ago, Nicolas Cage stepped forward and paid for mats and all the other items needed to start a wrestling team, thus Beverly Hills now had its own team.

The day before the Beresford tournament, there was an all-girl wrestling tournament honoring Marcie Van Dusen, who garnered a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics. Top prize winner in that competition was Rim’s Hailey Chapman, who, at 132 pounds, was named the number 1 ranked girl wrestler in California.

According to Coach Stacy Chapman, Hailey is ranked number 14 in in the nation. However, her current state ranking is not out yet this season, said Chapman, who added, “She should be ranked in the top two and is a top female wrestler in California and a state placer. She is a national All-American. She also received the lower weight MVP Award, voted on by the coaches from all the schools in attendance at the Marcie Van Dusen Tournament.”

Coach Chapman told The Alpine Mountaineer that Hailey is the niece of Scott Chapman, who, in March of 1993, won his third consecutive state championship title. Apparently, Hailey is following in her uncle’s footsteps.

Coach Chapman said the Rim women’s team had three wrestlers competing in the MVD tournament. “Freshman Amilia Thompson went 1-2, but her record is no indication of her talent. She is one to watch, as she is very talented,” she said, adding that Junior Sophia Espinoza placed third.