SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco State wrestling squad held its annual postseason banquet on Friday, recognizing the individual and team accomplishments during the 2009-10 campaign. Head coach Lars Jensen presided over the festivities at the United Irish Cultural Center in the Sunset District, which also included a silent auction fund-raiser.
Steve Franklin (Middletown, Calif., Santa Rosa JC) was named the Gators’ most valuable wrestler after leading the team with a 31-12 overall record and capturing All-America honors for the second straight season in the heavyweight division. The Gator senior was also tops on the squad with 14 pins and finished his SF State career ranked second on the school’s all-time list in that category. In addition, Franklin moved into fifth place in career victories.
Fellow classmate Vince Bordi (Manteca, Calif., Manteca HS) was voted most improved and was the recipient of the Paul B. Jensen Coaches Endeavor Award. The 197-pound grappler qualified for the national meet after a second-place finish at the NCAA Division II Super Regional 4/Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships. Bordi compiled a 21-14 record this past season and finished second on the team in takedowns and escapes.
Another senior, Ben Lockett (San Francisco, Calif., George Washington HS), was a double winner as well on Friday, earning the squad’s most inspirational award to go along with team captain recognition. The San Francisco native posted a 20-13 mark in 2009-10, leading the Gators in total points and takedowns in the 141-pound weight class. With his performance, Lockett moved into second place in school history in career takedowns and now ranks fourth in total points.
Meanwhile, freshman Zach Jimenez (Chualar, Calif., Palma HS) was presented with the “Baby Gator” award, signifying the top SF State newcomer. In his debut campaign, Jimenez was one of five national qualifiers on the team after posting a second-place finish at the NCAA Division II Super Regional 4/RMAC Championships in the 184-pound weight class. He racked up 14 wins overall and led the squad in escapes.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the student-athletes, family and friends of Gator wrestling in attendance were treated to a highlight video produced by junior Pierre Bondoc (Modesto, Calif., Beyer HS).
As a team, SF State finished in 25th place at the 2010 NCAA Division II Championships, marking the program’s 47th consecutive appearance at the national meet.