December 2, 2009 > Wrestlers reaching high standards Wrestlers reaching high standards By Giovanni Albanese Jr. Wrestling USA, a national magazine (www.wrestlingusa.com) focused on covering youth wrestling, ranked a Tri-City area-based athlete in the top 10. Newark Memorial High School's sophomore sensation Victor Pereira (145) was ranked number nine in the country of all freshmen and sophomore wrestlers in his weight class. Pereira's number-nine ranking is also the highest-ranked wrestler from California on the list. Sophomore Jordan Rogers from Mead High School in Washington was named number one on the list. Wrestling USA took six factors into play when determining its list of rankings. They include: accomplishments at the state high school championships; performances at prestigious high school tournaments; National Junior Freestyle and Greco-Roman success; Cadet National placement; information from coaches and parents; state from which nominees hail. Another Newark Memorial wrestler, on the girls side, was ranked in the top 10 nationwide. Cougars senior Alyssa Hess (155) -- a multiple-sport star, also shining in water polo -- was rated number nine by the United States Girls Wrestling Association in her weight class. Senior Jessica Smith of Austintown-Fitch High School in Austintown, Ohio, was ranked number one in the USGWA rankings. Pereira and the Cougars boys wrestling team will host the annual Newark Rotary Ironman tournament Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5; meanwhile, Hess and the Lady Cougars won't hit the wrestling mat until Saturday, Dec. 12, when they partake in the Briones Invitational at San Leandro High School.