Recreation
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Clear Lake Cardinals ended their regular season as exciting as it began, bringing home one more Tournament Team Trophy.
The Cardinals were able to fill 12 of the 14 available weight classes to compete at the Coastal Mountain Conference Finals Championship Wrestling Tournament.
The top three placers qualify to advance to the North Coast Sections Championships.
As the Cardinals’ final regular season tournament came to an end, they finished with 11 in the top four places and seven medalists: two seconds, five thirds and the third-place team trophy, just behind Willits (2nd), Lower Lake (1st) and over teams Upper Lake (4th) Cloverdale (5th ).
“Just like that! CMC third place! Two second-place finalists, five third-place medalists. Amazing to see the growth commitment and dedication make! With the Cardinals sending seven section qualifiers and four alternates headed down to Union City to represent CLHS in the North Coast Section Championships,” said Head Coach Nathan Powers.
Powers said it was an intense day with a lot of great matches. “No tournament has the same feel as CMC because all of our hard work and focus is dedicated to our performance on this day. With only the top three securing a spot at the next level the cardinals showed great strength in some tough matches,” he said.
Out of 12 wrestlers, seven made the cut. Five freshmen and two sophomore qualifiers are headed to the section finals, with another four given a potential opportunity as alternates, Power said.
“This young team is excited for the new experience that lies ahead as it is a great step in their evolution as they look to dominate the next level of competition. You can only expect us to get stronger from here,” Powers said.
The Cardinals had two freshmen in the finals: at the 106 lbs. division Nathan Pyorre and Hayden Fowler at 132 lbs.
Powers said it was awesome to see Pyorre back on the mat and doing his thing. “Wrestling smart he marched his way to the finals where he battled it out and just fell short. Despite a good amount of time off for an injury this tough little freshman properly rehabilitated himself while fixated on his return to the wrestling arena. Back in action, he was looking great in form as though he never skipped a beat.”
Fellow freshman and birthday boy Hayden Fowler had an epic and fast-paced showdown in the finals that came down to the final seconds.
“Although Hayden is a freshman his time and dedication to the sport shows as he is a true wrestler. He contends fiercely with the older & more skilled competitors that all their jaws drop to learn he is in his first year of high school,” Powers said.
Third place medalists also securing the right to wrestle at sections include the following.
Freshman Anthony Gersalia, 170 lbs., is coming into the sport beautifully with great natural strength speed and balance, Powers said. Gersalia’s education in the sport continues to make him a lethal weapon. “He has heaps of potential left to tap into and when he does no one will stand in his way!”
First year wrestler and freshman Vicente Ortega, 152 lbs., has shocked us all. A combination of extreme flexibility and cardio with a great aptitude for accelerated learning he has made leaps in performance and will continue to do so, Powers said.
Freshman Chris Krack, 195 lbs., who Powers called “the gentle giant,” has come a long way this year. “By the time this youngster completes his quest in becoming the young man he seeks to be no one will want to face him.”
Sophomore Elijah Alvarez, 138 lbs., is on the cusp of becoming an elite wrestler. “His drive and motivation to absorb everything the sport has to offer and compete past high school are evident. While continuing to learn from mistakes he is always growing,” said Powers.
Sophomore Mustafa Akbari, 120 lbs., has developed a great passion for the sport and art of wrestling, said Powers. “It’s in his blood. This young man has high aspirations for the sport and I know if he commits he can achieve them. A fierce wrestler so keep an eye on him.”
Alternates for the Cards are freshman Liam Davis, Asher Reese, Hernan Romero and Senior Dominic Legendre.
Senior Dominic Legendre had a great day in his first and final CMC appearance. “This young man has come so far physically emotionally and spiritually since first committing to the team and himself. He has been an excellent team captain and role model for the younger kids. His fun loving, hardworking and caring attitude will be greatly missed next year,” said Powers.
“It’s been one awesome journey for Dom and I know this is just the start for him as he leaves high school in pursuit of his dreams and passions!” Powers added.
Other finishers are as follows.
Silver medalists: Nathan “Bubba” Pyorre (106 lbs.) was 1-1 with 1 pin. Hayden Fowler (132 lbs.) went 1-1.
Bronze medalists: Mohammad Akbari (120 lbs.) and Elijah Alvarez (138 lbs.) each went 3-1 with a pin and Tech Fall. Vicente Ortega wrestling up a weight class at (152 lbs.) was 3-1 with three pins. Anthony Gersalia (170 lbs.) was 1-1 with one pin and Christopher Krack wrestled at 197 lbs.
Fourth place: Boys – Asher Reese (113 lbs.) and Hernan Romero (126 lbs.) each went 2-2. Liam Davis (145 lbs.) and Dominic Legendre (285 lbs.) each went 1-2 with one pin.
Also wrestling for the Cardinals, but just missing the consolation finals was Raymond Gonzales-Shoaf (220 lbs.) who went 1-2 with one pin.
While the boys are headed off to James Logan High School for their NCS Wrestling Championship Tournament, the Cardinals will also be sending four girls to compete at the Girls NCS Wrestling Championship Tournament at Albany High School. Competing for CLHS will be Tara Wong (101 lbs.), Ashley Pyorre (106 lbs.), Mavis Pyorre (116 lbs.) and Ximena Soto (121 lbs.).
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- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Is a tape measure good enough?
Question: I've heard folks say you need a crab gauge to measure crab. Would a tape measure be sufficient? (Benson)
Answer: Although not prohibited by law, a tape measure is not recommended. The minimum legal size of crab is five and three-quarters inches for a Dungeness crab measured by the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines), as per California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 29.85.
There is simply too much room for human error in using a tape measure compared to a crab gauge. For instance, the natural swell in the crab's body could lead one to believe a crab is of legal size if a tape measure is extended directly over the body when, in fact, the crab is undersized. Crab gauges are inexpensive and readily available at bait and tackle shops in areas where crabbing is popular. There's no reason to risk a citation by using a tape measure.
And since we're on the subject, one of the more common violations our wildlife officers encounter in the field is the take of undersized Dungeness crabs by new recreational crabbers who measure their crabs incorrectly. The regulations cited above state the measurement cannot include the lateral spines or points that extend from the crab's body. Many inexperienced crabbers, however, incorrectly include the spines in measuring their crabs, leading to the illegal take of undersized crabs.
Wild pigs at Grizzly Island?
Question: A couple of years ago, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife started running draw hunts to help depredate destructive wild pigs at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. I put in last year and didn't get drawn, but I'm curious as to whether the pigs are still a problem, and whether other opportunities to hunt pigs there might come up in the future. (Alex)
Answer: Yes, Grizzly Island has been sponsoring the annual wild pig hunts since 1998 and will be doing them again in March and April. The origin story of the wild pigs at Joice Island is a bit of a mystery, but they were likely originally escapees from a rancher or brought in by locals for hunting purposes long ago. Neighbors recall the pigs being a nuisance since about the mid-1960s. Today, a couple hundred pigs live in the Suisun Marsh. The pigs can cause damage to habitat through rooting, which can create conditions allowing non-native invasive plants to outcompete with native plants for resources. The pigs could also potentially create erosion problems if the herd were to get too large.
The hunts have proven to be very popular. Passes are issued to 32 hunters, and in total hunters typically take eight to 12 animals per year. While this doesn't go far toward managing the population (60-70 percent of the population would need to be removed in order to make an impact), it's still a great opportunity to try hunting for wild pigs – and there's no application fee! CDFW is accepting applications for the hunts until 4 p.m. on Feb. 14.
Aren't cats detrimental to wildlife?
Question: Many pet animals common in other states, such as ferrets and hedgehogs, are banned here because they pose a risk to native wildlife. Why are domestic cats not on that list as well? Many studies have concluded they are detrimental to local wildlife populations and can quickly breed in large numbers. What is the difference between them and, say, ferrets, that makes one illegal and the other perfectly fine? (Tom)
Answer: California law differentiates between animals that are normally domesticated in the state and those that aren't. The animals you mentioned - ferrets and hedgehogs - are wild animals that aren't normally domesticated in California. These animals are sometimes referred to as "exotic." In CCR Title 14, section 671, ferrets and hedgehogs, along with many other animals, are identified as a detrimental species and placed on the restricted list for the following reasons: 1) their status as exotic wild animals; and 2) the negative impacts they can have on native wildlife, agricultural interests and/or public health.
Among members of the cat family (Felidae), only domestic cats and some hybrids are considered domesticated and distinct from wild cats. All of family Felidae – except domestic cats and some hybrids – are prohibited from importation, transportation or possession in California without a restricted species permit. Domestic cats have been domesticated in California for hundreds of years and are not considered wild or exotic. They do not meet the criteria for a detrimental species under state law.
That's not to say that domestic animals, such as free-roaming cats, can't have negative impacts on wildlife and the environment. Local jurisdictions are usually tasked with managing feral cat colony populations. For example, many local government agencies implementor support "trap, neuter and release" programs to address overpopulation, animal welfare and disease concerns. However, neutering feral cats obviously doesn't prevent them from killing birds, rodents and other wildlife.
If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, email
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Clear Lake Cardinals qualified to compete in the 2020 North Coast Section Division III Dual Team Wrestling Championships at Rancho Cotate High School.
Head Coach Nathan Powers offered the young Cardinals Team an opportunity to cut his hair if they placed in the tournament and they did not disappoint – at least with their wrestling, the team’s haircutting skills look to be an acquired taste.
In round one the Cardinals faced off with Healdsburg and beat them 53 to 27. In the semifinals, the Cardinals would meet up with Middletown and won 60 to 18.
In the final championship dual, the Cardinals fell to the No. 1 seed Willits 21 to 52 to take home the second place pennant, although there were a few matches that came very close to changing the final outcome.
The final standings were Willits, first; Clear Lake, second; Justin-Sienna, third; and Berean Christian, fourth.
“It began with a group of random boys and girls. We committed our blood sweat and tears to ourselves and each other. We climbed mountains together pushing through all obstacles, finding the time to celebrate friendship along the way. It ends with a team of young men and women, relishing the fruit of hard work and dedication. Not any team, but the second-place winners of the North Coast Section DIII Dual Team Wrestling Championships,” said Coach Powers.
“Bringing home silver medals and a pennant, we sure are proud of our Cardinals,” he said.
Power added, “It’s crazy to think just like that it is all over, it seems like we just started yesterday and now we are in the final chapter of the High School Season. After our very first meeting, I knew we had something special here, every coach’s dream. I knew this team was destined for greatness, I just had no clue it would be this immediate and explosive. At the end of it all, it brings me such pride and joy to be working with such an amazing group of youth. To see how far they have come and with so much more to learn the future is very bright.”
However, Powers said to never let a bunch of high school students perform a haircut.
Wrestling on the day for the Cardinals were:
Ashley Pyorre (106 lbs.) went 3-0 with one pin, Asher Reese (113 lbs.) was 1-1, Mohammad Akbari (120 lbs.) went 1-1 with a tech fall, Mavis Pyorre (120 lbs.), Ayden Williamson (126 lbs.), Hayden Fowler (132 lbs.) went 2-1, Nicholas Williamson (140 lbs.) was 2-1 with two pins, Elijah Alvarez (145 lbs.) went 2-1 with one pin, Vicente Ortega (152 lbs.) was 1-2 with one pin, Liam Davis (160 lbs.) went 2-1 with one pin, Anthony Gersalia (170 lbs.), Axel Alvarez (182 lbs.) went 1-0, Christopher Krack (195 lbs.) was 3-0 with one pin, Raymond Gonzales-Shoaf (220 lbs.) went 2-1 and Dominic Legendre (285 lbs.) was 2-1 with one pin.
“Come support us in Lower Lake Saturday, Feb. 15, at the CMC League Championships where our Cards look to continue their individual campaigns to advance to the NCS Championships. Before you know it they will be competing in the state arena so do not blink!” Powers said.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Middle School girls’ basketball team has won the Lake County Junior High Athletic League championship.
The Broncos won the title on Saturday, Feb. 1.
Team members include Haley Foster, Amanda Hart, Madelynn Hansen, Mia Hoogendoorn, Hana Larkin, Amber Mcnutt, Breanna Pyzer, Miura Ruiz, Isabella Santiago and Abigail Tacla.
Tony Hart and Roxi Hoogendoorn coached the championship team.
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