Falcons wrestlers go for thirds

Cactus Shadows High School's wrestlers turned in an outstanding performance at last weekend's Mike Perkins Invitational in Prescott.

The Falcons finished third as a team behind host Prescott and Fountain Hills with 243 points. Chris Sclafani was the big        individual winner for Cactus Shadows as the 215‑pounder racked up three first‑round pins en route to the championship in his weight class.

But Sclafani's finish wasn't the only highlight for Falcons coach Merle Nelson. Cactus Shadows had six second‑place finishers: Nick Low (103 pounds), Riley O'Neal (119), Zach O'Kane (125), Connor Smith (135), Matt Chmurzynski (145), and Carl Matthes (160).

Keith Howell took third at 130, while fourth‑place finishers were Brian Colan (140) and Anthony Beckham (145).

THE ANTHEM SOCCER Club will be hosting its fifth annual holiday soccer camp Dec. 26‑29 at the main soccer field.

Mark Kerlin, an 18‑year pro‑level veteran, will conduct the camp to help improve skills in passing, dribbling, ball control, juggling, shooting and heading.

The camp is designed for ages 5‑17 and costs $49 for residents and $64 for non‑residents. The camp will run each day from  9‑11 a.m.

Register before Dec. 22 at the Anthem Community Center or contact Kerlin at (623) 582‑2413, or markkerlin@hotmail.com.

I MENTIONED LAST week that the Sandra Day O'Connor girls cross country team made a national splash by competing in the Nike Team Nationals Dec. 2. The only problem is the results I gave were not correct.

I'm not sure what results I was looking at on the Nike Team Nationals Web site, but a parent of one of the runners was nice enough to give us the correct order of finish.

It turns out Lindsay Prescott was the Eagles' top finisher, but came in 18th overall, not fifth. Other finishers for O'Connor were Camille Olson (30th), Aleina Eisenhauer (38th) and Jade Riley (74th).

Still outstanding finishes for a program that is getting better every year.

DON'T FORGET TO check out some of the action at this year's Great Desert Shoot‑Out at Cactus Shadows High School. The boys basketball tournament will feature 16 teams and runs from Dec. 27‑29. The host Falcons are among a field that includes local teams Boulder Creek and O'Connor.

If you would like to reach the reporter, or submit a local sports item of interest, send an e‑mail to jason@thedesertadvocate.com, call (480) 488‑1204 or visit the office at 25 Easy Street in Carefree.