Good News Keeps Coming for Two Wrestlers

SHANNON HO

Staff Writer

The AHS athletics teams have always been a strong force at competitions and last week’s California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championships for wrestling serve as further proof that the team possesses great talent and drive.

Senior Abel Avila and junior Hugo Perez placed very well in the CIF championships and even managed to secure high spots in the State tournament.

“I’m really proud of [our accomplishments] this year at CIF. We both have been practicing really hard and I’m glad it paid off,” said Perez.

Perez and Avila both took first at the Almont League finals which qualified them for CIF. Avila took second for CIF Individuals, while Perez took first.

At CIF Masters, Avila placed fourth while Perez took eighth. At State, Perez was able to place in the top twelve. Competing against students from 700 other high schools in California is no small feat, but Avila managed to place seventh in State. For Avila, his placing at State allowed him to go to Nationals, where he made it into the top 24.

“I didn’t expect to go, so I had nothing to lose. I just prepared, practiced hard and did what I had to do,” said Avila.

Though Avila will not be returning to AHS, he has a few words of advice for future wrestlers.

“Try the best you can, wrestle hard and have a lot of fun,” said Avila.

Next year will provide many new obstacles—incoming freshmen, possibly better-trained competition and any number of other barriers that may hinder Perez from his title. However, this is not a strong area of concern for the wrestler.

“I gave it my best. With lots more practice over the summer and if I work harder, I’m confident I’ll be able to make it again. Hopefully, I’ll even get first place,” said Perez.