Grapplers compete in tourneys
by Raylene Guzman
photo taken by Dustin Vu
Beginning a new season, the Spartan grapplers are training for their second dual away against their crosstown rivals, the Montebello Oilers, on Dec. 19.
The Spartans competed in their first home duel against the Mark Keppel Aztecs, Dec 12, where JV won, 37-21, and Varsity won, 36-15.
“So far this season has been a rollercoaster, there have been many positive and negative events within the few short weeks we’ve actually been in season.” said Adonis Rodriguez, junior. “But like our former coach said I know that you’re all working extremely hard however, at times you’re not going to get what you want. Never stop working hard and you will have your time to shine.”
The Spartans had planned to face the Whittier Cardinals, Dec. 4, but the duel was cancelled by the Cardinals.
In the grapplers’ first tournament Nov. 17, called the Bell Gardens Rumble, they placed third out of seven teams. Sophomores Joselo Aguirre and Angel Reyna took third in their weight class.
“Our team is fairly young, but there is an abundance of potential in the room. As of now, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s just about learning from the mistakes made and the adjustments that need to be made. Other than that we just keep training hard for our upcoming competitions,” said Head Boys’ Coach Ray Guzman.
Shooting into the start of a new season, the lady grapplers are also preparing for their first dual meet against their rivals the Montebello Oilers Dec. 19 away.
“Truth be told, I am a mixture of excited and nervous for my season because I do believe I will be placing more often in the tournaments to come. All I need to do is stay focused and continue to work hard,” said Itzel Hernandez, junior.
In the lady grapplers’ first tournament Dec. 8. Itzel Hernandez, junior, took third place and Brittney Chavez, senior, took fourth in their weight classes. While Jocelyn Reyes, junior, and Alondra De La Torre, sophomore, took seventh in their weight classes.
“Our girls team should fair well in the tournaments to come. We have a few contenders to place in CIF and hopefully make it to state,” said Assistant Coach Henry Priest.