Selma High’s Wrestling team is preparing for their upcoming season. Not only is Selma High starting a new season, they are facing new competition as they enter their first year in the Tri-County Conference league. With plenty of time before their first official match, the team is working hard in hopes of overall success.
“My biggest goal is always to be State Champions. We have the potential to be the first school in California to win a Boys and Girls State Title in the same year,” Coach Mendoza stated.
This is Coach Mendoza’s second year as head coach at Selma High, however he’s been coaching for a total of 15 years. Gaining experience in coaching at highschools and Fresno City College, Coach Mendoza expresses his passion and love for the sport.
“My favorite thing about coaching is seeing the development of the athletes. Seeing where they started and being able to see their growth in not only the sport but as a person as well,” Mendoza shared.
Passion for the sport isn’t required just from the coaching staff, but players as well. When it comes to a team’s overall success, it’s very hard to accomplish without genuine positivity. This is shown in the team’s effort, discipline, and enjoyment. Although it’s a very tough sport, wrestling allows athletes to enjoy times on and off the mat.
“My favorite thing about wrestling are the trips. Being able to hangout with the team and do whatever is always amazing,” senior Ben Montez stated.
Montez has been wrestling for ten years now. Going into his senior season, Ben has college offers to San Francisco State, which is a Division II program, and to a DIII school in Iowa.
Although wrestling gives athletes the opportunity to compete at a college level, the work required to get there isn’t easy.
“The hardest thing about wrestling is that you have to have a lot of self discipline. Working out everyday and putting in extra work is needed,” junior Damian Alvarez explained.
Alvarez has been wrestling since he was six years old. Wrestling since young ages is a common trait shared throughout the sport. However, this isn’t required to find success in the sport, and that is exactly what junior Marina Hernandez proves.
“I started wrestling last year. If you are thinking about coming out, just come. The team environment is great and the coaches do a great job at explaining and slowing things down for new people. Our team is very supportive and we always cheer others on no matter what,” Hernandez said.
With their first match taking place in December, Selma High’s wrestling team is preparing to their best capability. Hard conditioning, practices, and drills are only one step to success, which is what the team is ready to accomplish.