As the boys’ wrestling team reaches the midpoint of its season, the team has exceeded their coach’s  expectations and highly established themselves as a competitive force in the league. “I’m excited and pleasantly surprised,” Coach Tori Cabrera said, “I didn’t come in with crazy high expectations, but the team has shown amazing results so far.” 

Last year, the team finished 3-2 in league, 4th at PCALs, and 7th at CCS Regionals. Coming into this year with a young roster and restrained expectations, the team has shown steady improvement through strong performances in both tournaments and dual matches. 

Several wrestlers have earned individual placements at the tournaments including Luis Tapia and Fabian Martinez placing 1st at the Apple Cider Classic tournament where the team took 6th place out of 52 teams. “I felt really good, I wasn’t seeded first,” Luis Tapia said, “but I ended up beating guys that were higher seeded than me.”

The team has also won their past 3 dual tournaments against Palma, Salinas, and Hollister making the team happy. “We beat Hollister, we lost to them last year,” Diego Rodriguez said, “so I think we have been doing good as a team.”  

Martinez, the lone representative to State last year, placed 4th at Midcals, helping the team place 13th place out of 114 teams and highlighting the depth of the lineup and the progress made throughout this year’s season. “I have been good, I feel good,” Martinez said, “I’ve been wrestling my best and coming out with a good outcome.” 

Leadership and development has played a key role in the team’s success. Martinez has emerged as an important leader as one of the few returners this year providing experience and stability in their lineup.

 “[He’s] An amazing leader and captain, previous state qualifier and MVP,” Cabrera said. “We are excited to see him continue to excel.”

Irving Juarez, who was seen as a promising freshman last season, has continued to grow exponentially. His technique and quickness has made him stand out amongst others to the coaches. “He wrestles with hunger, as if winning his match is the only option,” Cabrera said.

Oscar Hernandez has also made a strong impact after returning to the team and finishing the season making a notable comeback last season. “He has secured a consistent spot on varsity while continuously improving and beating high performing athletes,” Cabrera said.

Alisal’s team is also very excited to continue to see Sergio Puentes grow, who is in their lowest weight class, being their 106 pounder throughout all his 3 years in the team. “His signature shaggy hair covers his eyes all match long,” Cabrera said, “but that doesn’t stop him from out-wrestling his opponents.” 

The team has set high goals for the remainder of the season, a league championship remaining the primary objective with hopes of qualifying at least two wrestlers for the CCS  and State. 

Although they have set high goals and expectations many wrestlers share the long term goal of competing at State and they remain motivated to improve with each match. “We’re all working towards something, we all have a goal,” junior Jonathan Pesqueda said, “we’re constantly improving and it’s good to know.”

Even though the team trains brutally and nonstop, the team shares a close bond amongst one another through every challenge, which creates a positive environment where they feel proud and energized. “Tori is a good coach,” Martinez said. “She bonds with all of us and makes us all feel really welcome.”

 Everyone is focused on PCAL and CCS, where the top wrestlers go head to head with one another. The team has been putting in a lot of hard work for PCAL, but it’s always a tough challenge that tests both their skills and teamwork.

CCS is an even more intense place with only the best athletes competing for a shot at gaining a spot at State. 

Cabrera is very confident that at least one wrestler has the potential to advance to State, with the possibility of sending two, if progress continues, “If I can get one or two to go to state, that’d be awesome,” she said.

As the season winds down, the focus remains on growth, consistency and finishing strong.  The coaches hope to keep the boys healthy, safe, and happy. With momentum on their side and major competitions approaching the team is positioned for an exciting and competitive finish to the year.