Grapplers seek success in Rosemead tourneys
by Kia Harlan
Continuing season, varsity and JV grapplers will compete in the West Coast Classic at Rosemead today and tomorrow.
At the Dec. 13 home dual meet, the Spartans lost to the Montebello Oilers, 40-37.
“We have a very young team, but I’m extremely happy about the work the kids have been putting in. They come every day to work hard, so I’m excited that they’re prepared for the rest of the season,” said Head Coach Donde Turan.
The grapplers dominated in their matches at the Whittier Duals Dec. 5, beating the Los Altos Conquerors, 63-18; the Whittier Cardinals, 48-30; and the Glen Wilson Wildcats, 72-12.
by Kia Harlan
“As captain of the team, I will continue to push everyone past their limits. We all work very hard and discipline ourselves, so the best thing we can do is keep up our conditioning and work hard on the mats,” said Captain Andrew Padilla, varsity senior.
At the South Torrance Tournament Nov. 25, Padilla and varsity sophomore Adonis Rodriguez placed third, both JV freshman Angel Munoz and varsity senior Harout Ghevondyan placed seventh, while varsity senior Bryan Diaz placed eighth.
“We don’t want to burn out midway through a match,” said Robert Flores, varsity junior. “[Our strength] is conditioning because it helps us push ourselves towards our goal of pinning them down.”
Looking ahead, the lady grapplers are preparing to compete at the Amat Lady Rumble at Bishop Amat Dec. 22.
In the West Coast Classic Dec. 9, senior Ashley Lepe placed third, junior Rebecca Felix placed fourth and sophomore Raylene Guzman placed seventh. At the Rebel Rumble Nov. 25, Felix placed second and both sophomores Itzel Hernandez and Samantha Gomez placed sixth.
Many grapplers look up to alumna Sarah Zaragoza, who placed 15th nationally, for inspirational success.
“She [Zaragoza] once told me before a match to not take it too seriously and to just have fun. Just as she went to CIF, state and nationals, I want to place in CIF,” said Hernandez. “I tell myself if I don’t try as hard, I’m not going to get better.”