With the wrestling season coming to an end, the players and coaches have been delighted with all of the hard work paid off this season. Wrestling Senior Night was commemorated on January 23rd.
“This season has been going pretty good,” shared Coach Mendoza.
Coach Mendoza’s overall goal for the season is to help the players develop and prepare them for what’s coming towards them at the next level. Mendoza has been coaching and head coaching for Selma High for around ten years. Throughout those ten years his goal is to make sure to keep it a fun environment as it can be a tough sport for the wrestlers physically and mentally. Coach Mendoza has been content with the team lately, especially with the athletes bonding.
“The team’s strongest trait is their bond together and [a] lot of the guys have been wrestling together since they were 7-8 years old. That kind of bond is tough to break,” mentioned Coach Mendoza.
Having most of these wrestlers grow up together one can say that they may feel that wrestling could also be their second home. To have a home away from home can be a very sacred and appreciating thing to hold on to.
Senior Cami Angel joined wrestling for the first time this year and was happy to have furthered that decision.
“I wish I could’ve started a long time ago,” expressed Angel, “It’s a fun experience and I recommend people to try it out because no one will know how fun something is until they try it out.”
Sophomore Julianna Alvarez has been wrestling since she was nine years old.
“Wrestling has impacted me by increasing my stamina and strength which has translated into other sports I play,” mentioned Alvarez.
Junior Laila Reyes has been wrestling since seven years old, having a ten year experience with the sport.
“The sport has impacted me by showing that nothing comes easy, you always have to work hard to achieve success,” says Reyes.
Growing up to love the sport, Reyes is able to explain how much wrestling has contributed not just to the sport, but also to her actions in life and morals. Experience is gained by challenging one’s self to try something new and both Angel and Alvarez have put in that effort and courage. Along with efforts, it’s important for team players to work together and improve on their mistakes.
“One of the biggest improvements I’ve seen is the team’s ability to compete, they are finally pushing the pace and wearing on their opponents to get the win” expressed Coach Mendoza.
The coaches and players have put in their entire effort to prepare themselves for upcoming games and in doing so have seen themselves grow and strengthen.
“Wrestling has impacted my athletic performance by giving me an open mind to try something new,” stated Angel.
“I’ve seen my strength and technique improve [and] team wise the girls are fighting hard to the end,” expressed Alvarez.
Both Coach Mendoza and Figueroa have instilled the morals of hard work and dedication into their team.
Coach Mendoza wants his players to take the hard work from this sport out into their life.
“No matter what your goal is as long as you work hard at it and hold yourself accountable, you’ll be able to achieve it.”
