This past Saturday, Acalanes Wrestling hosted the DAL League Championships For the first time in tournament history, the event was streamed live on FloWrestling, bringing the force, strength, and grit that define DAL student-athletes to the screen.
Every ounce of intensity descended on Acalanes as buses and caravans emptied their grapplers at the Acalanes gym doors. It was the most exclusive everyone is invited pre-Super Bowl ticket in town. The energy was electric, no parking left? No problem. Parents, grandparents, and even a few great-aunts made the trek and packed the edges of the mat, roaring for every takedown, escape, and hard-fought scramble.
After a slow opening round, Acalanes rose like a phoenix, flipping the switch and showing DAL exactly what they’ve been building all season. The mat started to tilt, momentum swung, and the Dons went to work. Here’s how it shook out:
Varsity Results:
Lilah Kring dominated her bracket and was crowned DAL League Champion in her weight class. Kirian Gracie battled to a 2nd-place finish. Gwyneth Lee fought through tough matches to secure 3rd place. Ark Kalmes wrestled deep into the bracket, finishing 4th. Ryan Crane powered through to a 4th-place finish. Gabriel VanHouten put together a gritty run for 4th place. Adam Caicedo stayed in the hunt and placed 4th. Jill Pierce showed resilience and mat IQ, finishing 5th. Duncan Kinsey capped a hard-earned day with a 6th-place finish.
On the JV side of the gym, the future made noise:
Logan Houston and William Emery both claimed League Champion titles in their respective weight classes. Nick Hammons wrestled to a strong 3rd-place finish. Dillion Sinha battled through the bracket to take 3rd place. Noah Anderson rounded out the team points with a 4th-place finish.
And it should not go unnoticed that hosting the DAL Championship Tournament was no small feat. Months of preparation, along with the deep commitment and sacrifice of coaches, athletes and parent volunteers, made this “one of the most memorable DAL tournaments in recent history,” a direct quote echoed by many visiting parents, coaches, and athletes.
But we’re not done yet. Starting this Friday, the following athletes take the mat at the NCS Division 2 hosted by Benicia High School, ready to make their mark:
Aidan Burley, Austin Stevenson, Mason Taubler, Kirian Gracie, Landon Page, Jake Hammons, Leo Chen, Ryan Crane, Duncan Kinsey, Gabriel VanHouten, Rayyan Khan, Adam Caicedo, Gwyneth Lee, Lilah Kring, Ark Kalmes and Jill Pierce.
Good luck! Lets GO Dons!