Joseph Kent was good enough on the Montgomery High mat during his sophomore campaign to be selected at season’s end to the first team All-South Bay League Wrestling Team. Last year, Kent forfeited a precious year of eligibility when he decided to transfer over to Coach Thomas Juarez and the highly regarded Hilltop High wrestling program. It was a decision he doesn’t regret. Juarez is thrilled to have him.

“Joseph is out here to win and to be a leader for our program,” Juarez said. “He does everything that we ask him to do and it shows on the mat. He is learning how to wrestle through injuries and adversity. He doesn’t quit and he never makes excuses. So far, he has been the most dynamic wrestler on our team. He is a force to be reckoned with and we are expecting good things from him in the postseason.”

Kent grew up in wrestling family. His grandfather wrestled competitively as did three of his uncles and two of his cousins. He started at the age of five in Montgomery’s juniors program and has wrestled continuously since the sixth grade. With nine years of experience under his belt, Kent is a knowledgeable and formidable opponent that doesn’t back down from anyone.

“My goal is to be the first person in my family to make it to the state tournament since 1999, but my ultimate goal is to (follow in my coach’s footsteps) and make it to the nationals and then to wrestle in college like he did.” 

Kent has been impressive this season following his CIF-imposed transfer rule layoff. Wrestling between 135 and 145 pounds Kent opened the season with an eighth place finish at the Edison Beach Bash in Huntington and then grabbed fifth place in the El Cajon Invitational Tournament. He followed that up with a finals appearance in the Monte Vista Tournament and then a fifth place finish in the 83-school Temecula Invitational.

Quick, strong, smart and tough, Kent has enjoyed a lot success this season. Escapes are his specialty.

“Strength-wise and speed-wise I think we are all about the same. My experience gives me a little edge. I usually try and score a reversal in every match no matter who I am wrestling,” Kent said.

He put an exclamation point on his outstanding regular season when he captured the Metro League Championship (142 lbs.). It was a good day for many of his teammates as well. Angel Seville, (105) Anthony Salinas (121) Roman Flores (154) and David Ramirez (162) joined him as conference champions and Johnny Talamontez (114) placed second. Like many of his teammates, Kent has drawn inspiration from his coach.

“Coach Juarez went to Montgomery High with my uncles. From the time that I was little over there I saw his photo and (his list of accomplishments on the wall). He placed third in the state, eighth in nationals and finished one round away from placing at the NCAAs. Ever since I saw those posters I have wanted to be like Coach Juarez.”

Note: After winning the CIF championship Kent competed in the Masters Tournament, but failed to qualify for the state level competition.