Battle Royal

The Royal High wrestling team has dominated the Marmonte League for years.

The Highlanders have won nine league crowns in 10 seasons. They went undefeated in Marmonte dual meets last winter.

Ranked No. 5 in the CIFSouthern Section Division 2 preseason poll, the Highlanders return many starters from the 2012-13 squad.

Things are looking up for Royal, right?

“Something is not right,” said Rich Carrillo, the Highlanders’ ninth-year head coach. “This group is young. They’re still figuring out things.”

It’s not a surprise that a head coach of a perennial powerhouse demands more from his team.

“I’m thinking bigger picture,” Carrillo said. “Yes, this team was very young last year, too, and won league. I want us to do well in CIF and go to state. I’m used to more seniors and experience.

“These guys need more time on the mat. They’ll figure it out. They’re very talented.”

The Highlanders are an early favorite to win another league crown, but they were the underdogs last winter.

Last season’s Marmonte title came down to Royal and Thousand Oaks. Highlanders Ryan Blomquist and Tristan Lyga notched clutch wins in the final two dual meet matches to help RHS pull off a 33-28 victory against the Lancers.

“We shocked everyone,” said Lyga, a senior in the 138-pound division. “Everyone stepped up that day. This team can do the same this year. We can go further. We’re gaining more experience.

“This team is full of top wrestlers that can go to state.”

Sophomore Jack Safford picked up a pin against the Lancers last year. Safford, who wrestles at 106 pounds, is in the midst of a breakout season.

The quick and athletic Highlander, who excels at shooting, won seven of his first 10 matches this year.

Safford endured a right knee injury for most of last season.

“I wasn’t right most of the year,” said Safford, who’s a Royal lacrosse midfielder. “I couldn’t move a lot. This year I can rely on my speed. My technique keeps getting better.”

Safford is one of many promising youngsters for the Highlanders.

“This is one of the best sophomore classes I’ve ever had,” Carrillo said. “These kids are exceptional.”

Sophomore Connor Grant is taking his licks in his first season at the varsity level, but he has potential to become a tough heavyweight.

Grant, who grapples at 195 pounds, utilizes his upper-body strength to apply headlocks on opponents.

Tanner Kanteman, a 220-pound senior, has taken Grant under his wing. Kanteman was a defensive end for the Royal football team this fall.

“My record isn’t the best, but I have guys like Tanner helping me,” said Grant, a former ice hockey player. “Tanner is really strong, so it forces me to improve my technique. We have intense practices against each other.”

Junior Grant Goldberg captured a league crown in the 113-pound division last season after defeating Westlake’s Bryce Canepa in an epic bout. Goldberg jumped to the 120-pound class this year.

Seniors Lyga and Blomquist lead Royal’s charge.

Lyga is an explosive wrestler who excels in the neutral position and at shooting. Lyga’s older brother, Jesse, is a former Royal wrestler.

Blomquist, who moved to Simi Valley from Houston in 2008, is an aggressive grappler who craves the big matches.

“I wasn’t nervous,” said Blomquist about competing in the decisive match for the league title against Thousand Oaks last winter. “I expect intense matches like that. That’s what I want. I was very happy to help my team.”

Senior Deric Ginther placed 10th at Masters and finished second in the 182-pound Marmonte final last season.

Royal seized third place at the Temescal Canyon Team Dual Meet Tournament earlier this season.

“I’m very excited about this group,” Carrillo said. “I just worry because they’re young. With a little more time on the mat, they’ll start improving on their form and technique.

“This could be a big year.”