By Roman Soto
Wrestling, arguably one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, requires extreme determination, a dedicated mindset, and maximal athleticism. Coming off an undefeated B-league team championship season, Westmont High School’s Wrestling team tirelessly prepares to compete against the best high schools in the Blossom Valley Athletic League (BVAL) in their debut to the A-League. Junior Christian Moore, a critical factor in the wrestling team’s success last season, notes, “The entire team has been working hard during the offseason, and we are more than excited to start up.” The team’s mutual support and effort led to their success. Though the collaborative nature of the sport defines its intensity, two individual wrestlers stood out last year: Sophomore Jade Bito and Junior Anthony Guttierez. With Bito’s impressive California State qualification the previous year as a freshman and Guttierez’s skillful fourth-place finish at the Central Coast Section (CCS) tournament, the Westmont Wrestling team feeds off their previous success and strives to produce even more CCS and California State Qualifiers this year. “One thing I can’t wait for this year is to see ‘The Hook’ wrestle,” excitedly remarks Junior Nathan Wightman, referring to fellow teammate Cade Van Hook’s promising technical improvements over the summer.
Starting in late November, the Westmont Wrestling team will compete against some of the best wrestlers in the State. Though Wrestling may not be a very advertised or popular sport, a significant part of Westmont’s team relies on support from friends and family; therefore, if you ever find it convenient, witness the Westmont Wrestling Team’s competitiveness live at Home dual-meets in the main gym. The first Home dual is on January 15th against the third-ranked wrestling team in California, Gilroy High School.