THE 2017 Palarong Pambansa wrestling silver medalist Lawrence Amaya of Leon Garcia National High School (LGNHS) failed to defend his title in the category 2 42-46 kilogram division but his brother Lloyd Walter and teammate Janry Pamor delivered one gold each for the Davao City Durians in the Davraa Meet 2018 secondary boys wrestling competition that closed at the St. John Paul II College of Davao (SJPCD) activity area.
Lawrence, 16, lost to John Carlo Francisco of Tagum Tagumpay in the gold medal match and settled for silver instead.
But his brother Lloyd Walter subdued all his foes to rule category 1 38-42 kilogram and to secure a slot to the Vigan Palarong Pambansa 2018.
"Thankful kaayo ko kay nakuha nako ang gold (Davraa) pero mas gwapo jud kung kuhaon pa jud nako ang gold sa Palaro (I am thankful that I got the gold (in Davraa but it is much better if I also get the gold in the Palaro)," the younger Amaya said in an interview with SunStar Davao Wednesday.
Amaya, however, dedicated his first gold medal to his mother and Lawrence, whom he considers his inspiration for joining the Davao City Durians wrestling team.
Pamor, for his part, dominated the category 3 46-50 kg division that also earned him a slot to the Palaro.
"Maningkamot jud ko ug mag training ko'g maayo para sa akoang pamilya (I will train harder for my family)," Pamor said.
Head coach John Paul Tan of LGNHS, meanwhile, said: "I feel great gihapon kay nakapalusot ta ug gold. Hopefully, next year makuha na nato ang lima puhon (we still won golds but we hope to win all five next year)," Tan said, thanking Department of Education Davao City division and the city government of Davao.
Cresente Navarres Jr. also won a silver in the category 4 50-54 kg while Roy Mark Conde settled for bronze in 54-58 kg.
Tagum Tagumpay, for its part, emerged overall champion with three gold medals courtesy of Francisco, Noel Kieth Castillano and Jose Jagunos Jr.
Francisco will make his debut in the Palaro.
Castillano, meanwhile, defended the category 5 54-58 kg and will try to improve his last year’s Palaro bronze finish.
Jagunos, also a Palaro veteran, secured the category 4 50-54 gold.