After maintaining a victory streak of 14-10 against fierce competitors, the wrestling team achieved the title of League Finalist this year, narrowly losing to Walnut by just two points. They also qualified for CIF and will be competing from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31.
The athletes prepared for their Hacienda League tournaments with an amped-up conditioning plan that consisted of cardio, such as sprints and long-distance runs, as well as strength workouts like push-ups and lunges. Drilling and live wrestling were also key components of their training, all of which built up the Brahmas’ endurance to wrestle for six minutes straight during the tournament.
Even off the competition floor, it was crucial for the Brahmas to stay dedicated and focused on improvement.
“A goal I have for the wrestling team as a whole is for them to give their 100% during practices and when they wrestle so that they don’t regret it in the future,” senior Juno Kuk said.
The team shared one main weakness: losing motivation. As a result of intense conditioning, both physical and mental fatigue were common among athletes.
“Our coach encourages us to be healthy,” junior Olivia Daza said. “Additionally, practicing with a purpose and reminding myself of the goals I’ve set helps keep me on track during the season.”
To rekindle their spirit, the wrestling team plans to focus on individual progress. Each wrestler will push themselves to work harder so that their training partner follows suit.
“A ripple effect happens as each and every wrestler begins to stay consistent with their wrestling,” Kuk said. “Practice makes perfect.”
Keeping a healthy mindset, wrestling is prepared for the grande finale of their duals in the CIF playoffs.
“Our coach has this saying, ‘Win as a team, lose as a team,’ to remind us of the amount of effort we all need to be putting in,” Daza said. “We might wrestle individually, but everyone’s match contributes to the final score.”
