Varsity Wrestling Diligently Practices in Preparation for Almont League

Posted on by

NATE GARCIA
Assistant Sports Editor

As many make their New Year’s resolutions and the new semester begins, hair is bleached once again as the varsity wrestling team prepares for their upcoming season. Last year, the team took second in league with a record of 4-1, and an overall outside tournament record of 20-3. This year, the team has been practicing rigorously since the beginning of the season in order to be successful.
During practice, which is held daily in the wrestling room, the team begins with a series of stretches, then starts drilling in their offensive and defensive positions. After, they learn new moves and put them into practice as they break into groups to simulate real match scenarios. The practice is then ended with sets of push-ups and sit-ups.
However, one of the problems facing the Moors this year is the lack of experience on the team. Ten seniors graduated last year, causing the team to have a reduced roster. This year, according to Head Coach Michael Williams, the two captains, Michael Robles, whom is 25-4, and Steven Ovsepian, whom is 26-3, are carrying the team.
“We have a really young team. Last year we had a lot of seniors, and this year we have a lot of freshmen [and] it’s really hard to tell what [rank we are currently holding],” Robles said.
As a result of the small roster this season, there are a few empty weight divisions, which must be forfeited during a match, causing the team to lose overall points.
“Wrestling hasn’t been a fashion this year, and we had to forfeit two weight divisions […] because we didn’t have anyone to fill in the spots. It’s hard to join this sport,” Williams said.
Even under the difficult circumstances, the team will continue to strive forward.
This years newcomers are being pushed and trained as well as they can be in order to overcome their opponents during matches and prepare for the Almont League season
“Our goal this year is to do well as a team during [matches] and to perform well during league finals in order to qualify for [the] CIF matches,” senior Victor Verduzco said.