46-2 record earns Marcus Zachary trip to nationals

Anderson Union High School senior Marcus Zachary had two goals this season. One was to place in the top eight at the state championships, and one was to compete at the nationals. His dream of standing on the medal stands at the state meet ended in an unexpected way. With two wins and two losses on the first day of competition, his season was seemingly over.

The tournament started as expected, when Zachary defeated Jarred McGhee of San Marcos (San Diego) 11-4 in the first round. That win brought his season record to 45-0, and things were looking good.

In the second round Zachary met Jacob Pendleton of Lemoore, an honorable mention contender from the Central Section. Early in the first round a slow defensive reaction and misjudgment found Marcus down 0-4. He battled hard to the end but lost his first match of the season 4-8. Unfortunately, he also tore some cartilage in between some ribs in his back, producing pain that would prove to be a hindrance.

After a second round pin of Mike Sacramento of Palma (Central Coast Section), Zachary faced Southern Section Champion, Cody Dixon of Colony. With 24 seconds left in the third period Zachary was down 5-6. A near takedown attempt ended out of bounds and left only 5 seconds on the clock. One more shot found him in on his opponent's legs, but an apparent takedown at the buzzer was waved off by the referee.

"The pain in my back was no excuse," said Zachary. "I should have been able to win."

The disappointment was escalated on Saturday, when Zachary sat in the stands and watched as Vince Waldhauser of Oak Ridge won his semi-final match to make it to the championship finals. Zachary had defeated Waldhauser in a tournament in Sacramento earlier in the season.

"This was not the way Marcus deserved to end his senior year," commented Cubs coach Don Williams. "He worked too hard to have it end so abruptly."

With this in mind, he approached the National Team coordinator, Bill Grant of Monterey. After pointing out his 46-2 season record, and the fact that he had defeated a State finalist, Zachary was awarded one of the wildcard spots on the California National Team.

On March 25-28, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Zachary will compete in the 21st annual Senior National Championships against the best high school wrestlers from all 50 states. Contributions and community support would be greatly appreciated and will help Zachary realize at least one dream for the year. Contact Anderson Union High School at 365-2741, ask how you may help.