By Roman Soto
Recently, the high school wrestling community was shaken when the NFSH’s (National Federation of State High School Associations) Wrestling department announced a sudden change in the sport’s scoring rules. For decades, the original set of rules included two points for a takedown and three points for nearfall but recently, in an attempt to persuade wrestlers to take more shots, the rules have changed to three points for a takedown and four points for near fall. While this change may not seem major, it completely revolutionizes the sport. Matches take less time and end with higher scoring differentials. These two aspects not only add to the excitement of the sport but they create a more efficient system for high school wrestling.
In reference to these new sets of rules, the Westmont Wrestling team rounds up their forces and works hard to adapt to the new changes. Though there is a change in rules, there will not be a change in the level of intensity and competitiveness that Westmont Wrestlers exhibit once they step on the mat. With experienced veterans such as Richard Vega, Anthony Gutierrez, and Nathan Wightman leading the team this year, the wrestlers approach the season with a dedicated mindset. The dawn of a new dynasty in the Central Coast Section is building, and Westmont looks to break through to the top three best high schools in the section among the ranks of powerhouses such as Gilroy High School and Silver Creek High School (Both whom the team will be dualing this year). Witness Westmont High School’s battles against other schools in the Blossom Valley Athletic League as the wrestlers prepare for war. Go Warriors! First meet against Silver Creek, Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30.