Royal High wrestler Kevin Dunn started the year with some unfinished business.

As a sophomore, Dunn was within one match of a state tournament berth, but a knee injury cut his quest short.

Inspired by that disappointment and determined to make a berth in the state tournament a reality, Dunn worked harder and longer over the summer of 2005 to get ready for his junior season.

The hard work paid off in a big way. Dunn achieved a rare double in his sport, helping Royal win a second straight CIF-SS Division V team title and capturing the CIF-SS individual title in the 119-pound division.

In addition, Dunn accomplished his goal of reaching the state tournament.

For his achievements, Dunn was named the The Ventura County Star's Wrestler of the Year.

"The season was all right," Dunn said. "... I had some injuries at the end of year. I tore ligaments in my shoulders in December, which held me back a little.

"It's disappointing because the last two years I didn't get to see how I could do (at the end of the year) when I am not hurt. But I'm happy we won as a team and I was able to win at CIF as an individual. It felt good to win two titles."

— To view the Ventura County Star All-County winter sports teams and athletes of the year, please see our Web site:VenturaCountyStar.com.

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The Star begins honoring the area's winter athletes with today's announcement of the All-County wrestling team. The team includes bios of the first team and the profile of the player of the year..