A Look Inside Boys’ Wrestling Season

The wrestling room has been full of energy this season as both the boys and girls teams continue to grow, improve, and push toward their goals. With hard practices, tough duals, and memorable tournaments, wrestlers are already seeing the results of their work.

For the boys’ team, senior Brayden Gonzales has noticed major improvements in his performance. Gonzales said his endurance and technique have improved significantly compared to last season, even after battling illness earlier in the year. As the season continues, Gonzales is focused on one main goal: winning and qualifying for the state tournament.

When it comes to competition, Gonzales said, “all the matches have been tough, but there’s this one kid that I’ve never pinned. It was at the old Dutch tournament.” His best match, however, was at a tri-dual at Moby Arena, where he secured a pin during the second period against a tough opponent. Gonzales said moments like that make the hard work worth it.

Senior Manny Emanuel’s toughest match so far this season came from a student at Evergreen           High School, whose wrestling team is a formidable opponent. Emanuel explained, “This one person at Evergreen pinned me in like two seconds.” Though wrestling presents its unique challenges, Emanuel said his favorite part is the action and the adrenaline from the physicality of it.  

Another contributor to the boys’ team is junior Owen Trujillo, who said his favorite part of wrestling is the bond he shares with his teammates. Trujillo’s standout match this season came when he pinned an opponent nearly 30 pounds heavier than him in just 20 seconds. For Trujillo, being part of the team and enjoying the experience is just as important as the wins.

As a team, the boys’ wrestlers believe they are progressing well. Gonzales said the team continues to support one another through struggles both on and off the mat, pushing each other to improve every day. With the upcoming Conference Invitational Tournament (CIT), the wrestlers are feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as they prepare to compete.

Overall, the boys’ wrestling team is showing determination and resilience. With key tournaments ahead and clear goals in mind, the wrestlers are looking forward to finishing the season strong and continuing to represent their program with pride