For many students at UC High, the winter months are a collection of cozy moments to look forward to as the first semester winds down and school gets out for winter break. For those on UC’s wrestling team, however, winter means war. This is especially true this year, as both individual wrestlers and the team collectively chase big dreams.
The team lost many varsity starters from the previous year’s graduating Senior Class, and many of those who stepped up to take their place ended up getting injured. UC High ended up dropping down a League, but is now chasing a title to reclaim its spot at the top in the Eastern League. “I feel pretty confident this year that our team will do well, especially with the current high morale. I hope to see a League title,” said Senior Team Captain Grant Perkins.
Most wrestlers also have individual goals for how they hope to perform. This includes Perkins, who said, “I am aiming to make and hopefully place at the CIF state tournament this year.” Sophomore Varsity Wrestler Noah Hernandez shared similar dreams of making the state tournament. Hernandez said, “This season, I really want to make it to state, and take first at CIF…. I was close last year, only two matches away, so I’m hoping to finish the deal.”
Of course, having big goals naturally comes with some pressure to accomplish them. Perkins said, “I think one of the struggles that we as a team are overcoming is the pressure to perform well in the upcoming season.”
While wrestlers may compete individually, the blood, sweat, and tears that go into training and fighting bring the team together. Hernandez said, “What I like most about wrestling is how close everyone is…. I also really like the competitiveness of it. If you lose, you can’t really blame it on anyone; it’s on you.” Girls Team Captain Chloe Holguin agreed. Holguin said, “It’s a really fun sport; you make a lot of friends. Those connections, they stay for a while, and you get really close with the people around you.”
As a sport that is consistently rated as one of the most difficult, another major challenge for UC’s Wrestling Team has been recruitment. “We may at one point have a lot of people that are participating in practice, but eventually, they don’t stay because of the high intensity of the sport, which drives most people away,” said Perkins. Accordingly, the team is still seeking dedicated individuals that are willing to put in the time and effort to learn a combat sport.
This is also a big challenge for the Girls Team. “We really, really need a lot more wrestlers for the girls…. You shouldn’t be scared to join wrestling. It’s really good for you, you get super fit, and you get super conditioned,” said Holguin.
This season is sure to be an exciting one for UC’s Wrestling Team, so make sure to pop out to some of the duels, and maybe even give the sport a try. “Those who stay will be champions,” said Hernandez.