What could have been a very united and capable group of girl wrestlers was unfortunately hurt by a number of returners who decided not to wrestle and some injuries. “Girls that were going to be four-year wrestlers quit, just like that,” said Coach JJ Garcia, “What I thought was going to be a strong group just up and quit, and then Maria Camargo, who was going to be a star, dislocated her hip and her season ended with one bad move.” However, Garcia still had high hopes for the new girls who came out and competed.

A group of underclassmen rose up and showed what they were made of. According to Garcia, a few girls stuck out, “Second year Dalia Cabrera and Stefanie Ruelas emerged as the front runners individually placing first and second in their respective weight classes,” said Garcia, “Janeth Morifin fell one match shy of placing at CCS as a freshman, but she will be a strong returning force and has a bright future.”

These aren’t the only girls Garcia has high expectations for, “The sophomore class is what I look forward to. I hope to be seeing them in the next few years,” said Garcia. His hopes just may come true, sophomore Stefanie Ruelas has been wrestling since eighth grade and even she has high expectations for herself, “I plan on wrestling again because I want to improve and place in CCS,” she said, “I think I have done good this season and I noticed how much I have improved since last year, but I know I can improve more.” Sophomore Briana Perez also seems set on staying committed to the sport, “This year will be my second year wrestling. I do plan on joining again not only because it’s my team and we progress as brothers and sisters, but also because of the thrill I feel when I face my opponent on the mat.” Viviana Porras, a sophomore, is also planning on wrestling next year as well because she enjoys the workouts and the tournaments.

The seniors who stayed, Carolina Mundo and Alexis Castillo, made the most of it. “It’s hard to put a positive spin on it because of all the girls who left, but all the girls that stayed, well, they stayed true to the program,” said Garcia. “Our two senior veterans made their CCS trip count.”  They sure did, both of these girls managed to place in CCS. “Carolina Mundo finally got over the hump.  She was top five freshman year, top five sophomore year, missed out last year, but finally got it done her senior year and made it to State,” said Garcia.  And as for Alexis Castillo, a returning State qualifier, did not find the success she found last year, but according to her, “I would have to say that this year has made me just as proud overall, I really tried to wrestle my heart out.”

Both the new girls and the senior veterans managed to do well in CCS. Individually, Dalia Cabrera and Carolina Mundo both got 3rd place, Stephanie Ruelas got 5th place, and Alexis Castillo got 6th place. All together, the girls placed 6th out of 62 teams.

There is so much more to wrestling than can be perceived by someone who isn’t there on the mat. “Wrestling is something we do, it doesn’t define us. There are lots of lessons to be learned. I hope they can translate that into their daily lives,” said Garcia. Something Alexis Castillo definitely managed to do, “Wrestling taught me about life: sometimes we win and sometimes we learn. Every sore muscle and ache I feel is only a reminder that I am just that much closer to having my hand raised at the end of the buzzer.”