Final reps on the mat to keep season alive
As the season approaches the end, the Diamond Bar High School wrestling team makes valiant strides for merit as several members head into postseason action.
“My team has gotten so much better not only in their ability to wrestle but their mindset and attitude towards competing,” senior captain Ismael Hamza said. “Everyone who wants to be here is just working harder.”
Senior wrestlers had their night to shine last month against Wilson, blowing them out 84-0. Seven seniors competed in this tournament and scored the maximum points allowed. The Lady Brahmas have also been placing well, with Olivia Daza placing second overall in her weight class at the Montclair Lady Cavalier Classic.
The Brahmas competed in the Hacienda League Finals on Feb. 5, with 17 Brahmas qualifying for CIF and eight individual league champions.
“I spent my entire summer, mornings, evenings, nights in the gym, wrestling rooms, camps, and off-season tournaments to make sure I could be the best I could be [during] the season,” junior Abigail Alvarado said. “I made a big jump from my performance last year to now, so I’m happy with how I did.”
Furthermore, five Brahmas advanced to the Masters meet following top finishes in the Individual Championships with Alvarado placing eighth,, sophomore Elehana Castorena placing fourth, junior Nikolaus Macias placing fifth and sophomore Peter Xu placing fifth.
“I had three goals this season and fell short with two of them. But my last goal was to go to Masters and I did,” Alvarado said. “I left it all on the mats at CIF, since I knew if I didn’t, my season could be over.”
The Masters meet will be held at Palm Springs High School on Feb. 17 for boys and Feb. 18 for girls. The top 10 winners of each weight class will advance to the CIF State Wrestling Championships at the end of February.
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