Wrestling mixes up training in hopes of CIF
December 10, 2015
By continuing successful methods from previous seasons and perfecting new techniques, Diamond Bar High School varsity wrestling is mixing up its regime in hopes of advancing to CIF duals and state individuals.
To improve, the team is working to fix many of the issues that plagued last year’s lineup. This season, the team has focused on perfecting its basic skills by refining and learning the fundamentals of wrestling, according to a few varsity players.
The wrestlers have been working on certain moves during practice, polishing their skills with the repetition of various wrestling holds.
“We didn’t do enough during our practices [last season] so we were a bit sluggish on the mat. Because of this, we lost some matches where we should’ve won and made some mistakes that we shouldn’t have made in some tournaments,” junior Mario Han said via Facebook.
With a new season comes renewed energy and excitement, and the Brahmas have a desire to improve and a sense of what they want to accomplish.
“I hope that we can come together as a team and compete well in the Palomares League. It all just depends on if our seniors can step up and be leaders to hopefully try to win one of the league championships and take as many guys as we can to CIF for individuals,” head coach Scott Usher said.
Returning senior wrestlers include Christian Munoz, Leighlan Corpus, Kevin Diaz, Ryan Melendez, Vincent Lopez, and Andrew Martinez.
Although Usher has high hopes, nothing is certain since wrestling depends on the individual’s skills. If the athlete puts in more effort and practice, it will be reflected in the outcome of their matches.
“It’s not up to me, there’s not really any expectations I have. It’s mostly up to the wrestlers; it’s how bad they want it. I don’t really have any expectations since the wrestlers have to work for it by coming out here and putting in their best effort and wrestling.” Usher said.
Despite wrestling starting from sixth period to after school, some individuals partake in training outside of school, such as running, doing weights at a gym, or even attending open mat practices at Mt. SAC to get additional experience. This extra practice not only helps them improve their wrestling techniques, but it also develops the muscular strength needed for specific moves.
“Just like with anything, we can only do so much at school, but the ones who are going out there and doing more are going to be the ones who are excelling. They are going to be the ones who hopefully make it to CIF and make it further on. That’s just the winning combination.” Usher said.
Under Usher’s guidance, the athletes gather daily to practice. As the season approaches, the team gradually builds up intensity, with more cardio activities and live wrestling. In addition, the team does a few hundred sit ups, pushups and sprawls to strengthen the players’ muscles for its future matches.
“Every day we strive to improve every aspect of the team so that we can reach our goal to be league champs,” Munoz said via Facebook.
Just like any other coach, Usher wants the best for his team and hopes that members can be both model students and athletes by listening to their parents, doing well academically, and overall being good members of the community.
“The things we try to teach them in wrestling are just hard work, sportsmanship, and just the willingness to compete. We just expect that when all the wrestlers go out there, they’re in good condition and they’re paying attention and listening to the coaches,” Usher said.
