The Biggest Wrestling Tournament of the Year at MBHS: Girls and Boys CIT

Every year, Morro Bay High School opens its gym to host both the girls and boys California Invitational Tournament (CIT), bringing in wrestlers from across the region. The boys CIT alone welcomes over 90 different schools and more than double Morro Bay High School’s student population in competitors, coaches, and spectators. With such a large event taking place on campus, student-athletes not only compete but also help run the tournament, creating a unique experience filled with excitement and pressure.

For senior Abby Tuller, competing at home offers a sense of comfort compared to traveling to away tournaments. “Competing at home is better than competing at an away tournament because it’s your own school,” Tuller said, “It’s more fun to have people you know there, and it helps distract me because I get a lot of anxiety about competing.”

Tuller also emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for visiting teams. She explained that many schools travel long distances to attend, so the team aimed to make everyone feel supported and respected. However, being the host added extra pressure. “You definitely feel more pressure to perform well at your own tournaments,” she said.

One of Tuller’s toughest moments came during the finals, where the spotlight made the match especially intense. Despite nerves, she learned an important lesson about staying calm. “I really think being nervous made me not do as well as I could have,” she said. One of her proudest wins was against Annabelle Airi from Righetti, a competitor she usually lost to, proving her growth this season.

Senior Brayden Gonzalez described the home crowd as a major motivator. “It’s your family and friends coming to see you, and having that level of support boosts your energy,” Gonzalez said. “Everyone’s shouting your name in a good way.”

Gonzalez highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and creating a positive atmosphere for visiting teams. “We’re trying to be respectful and have good sportsmanship because at the end of the day, they’re just like us,” he said.

Hosting such a large event also changed how Gonzalez prepared mentally. With over 90 schools and thousands of people attending, the pressure was high. Still, he believes the experience helped him grow as a wrestler. “Just leave it on the mat,” Gonzalez said, “Wrestle smart and be aggressive.”

Junior Tyler Hixon faced additional challenges while competing at CIT due to an injury. “That was probably one of the things that got to me while I wrestled,” Hixon said.

Despite the pain, Hixon chose to compete, showing his dedication to the team. “My coach did pressure me, but I really just wanted to wrestle,” he explained.

Hixon also reflected on the team’s improvement throughout the season, particularly in endurance and emotional growth. While the team did not perform as well as hoped, he believes the tournament still helped build momentum moving forward.

Overall, hosting girls and boys CIT each year allows Morro Bay High School wrestlers to experience high-level competition while strengthening their sense of community. The tournament challenges athletes not only physically, but mentally, leaving them with valuable lessons that extend beyond the mat.