Wrestling: “I” is OK at Newport

Steve Virgen

NEWPORT BEACH - Wrestling is truly an individual sport at Newport

Harbor High. With few athletes competing for the Sailors, Coach Dominic

Bulone has intensified his focus all the more on preparing his

individuals, with the hopes of advancing them to CIF Southern Section

postseason competition.

“It’s hard to get kids out for wrestling,” Bulone said. “The kids that

are out, they give a lot of effort. They hold it together and make it

worthwhile.”

The Sailors (0-10) are optimistic they can claim some individual Sea

View League titles.

Sophomore 103-pounder Kid Lim looks to maintain a rich family

tradition in the sport at Newport. He’s the younger brother of Brad, an

assistant coach, and Bruce, who won a league title last year at 119

pounds. Kid Lim finished third with a 7-2 record, including four pins,

two weeks ago in the Foothill Tournament, which featured 10 teams.

“(Kid Lim) has a lot of confidence from growing up with his brothers,”

Bulone said.

In the Foothill Tournament, junior Nate Geier went undefeated, 9-0,

including seven pins, and won the 125-pound title. Geier transferred from

Green Valley High in Las Vegas and Bulone calls the experienced wrestler,

“a gift” for his squad.

Senior Tim Alexander (160) continues to improve and is expected to

peak at the end of the season.

“It’s time for him to go to CIF,” Bulone said of Alexander. “A lot of

these kids, if they work hard enough, they can go too.”

Junior Bailey Bearden, who also plays for the Sailors’ softball team,

returns with a year of experience and will wrestle at 135, while freshman

Eric Vogler (112) provides optimism for the future.

NEWPORT HARBOR HIGH WRESTLING

Kid Lim So.

Eric Vogler Fr.

Jon Rolsheim Jr.

Nate Geier Jr.

Kyle Codey So.

Bailey Bearden Jr.

Paul Lauders So.

Jeff Landa Fr.

Brandon Marshall Jr.

Brian Rebard So.

Fabian Vasquez So.

Phil Gerard Jr.

Brandon Zielger Jr.

Tim Alexander Sr.

Brad Bybee Jr.

Jack Skahen Jr.

Coach: Dominic Bulone