Written By: Aubrey Packer
UNITED: The wrestling team tackled the season as a strong united front.
For senior wrestlers, Tuesday January 23rd marked their last home dual meet as a Poly Bear. The Poly wrestling team has had a prosperous season. Both the boys and girls teams have been successful in tournaments and league duels. “It’s been a great season and I’m really going to miss it,” said Henrietta Aguayo, a team co-captain. Although Poly lost the dual meet to Heritage, it was still a night to celebrate a great season and the way the team has come together. “It’s amazing to have everybody support you,” explained Co-Captain Lola Figueroa (10).
Coach Rudy Ortiz praised the team enthusiastically as he reminisced about the season. He spoke specifically about the female wrestlers on the team. He is thrilled to have doubled the amount of female wrestlers on the team since wrestling is one of the fastest growing female high school sports. Coach Ortiz said it has been amazing “providing more opportunities for young women growing into adulthood.” When asked about the best moment this season, he pointed to the Desert Mirage Tournament, where the girls were the best overall team. Co-captain, Lola Figueroa was honored to come in first place in the tournament at her coach’s alma mater.
On the boys side, the team has continued to thrive as they welcomed many new wrestlers this season. The boys team was particularly successful during the Riverside County tournament, where Coach Ortiz witnessed “a lot of good wrestling.” The results haven’t always been what the team hoped, but as Junior Co-Captain Lenin Orozco said, “our team’s greatest strength is keeping our morale up, even when we don’t get a win.”
The strength of the boys team has been consistent across all weight classes. They are fortunate to have a very balanced team. Coach Ortiz singled out Junior Co-Captain Dominic Ruiz at the 140-pound weight class, who is ranked 39th in the state in his class. Ruiz credits his success to the great team environment. “My favorite part about being on this team is being able to work in an environment that helps me and my teammates grow,” said Ruiz.
Next up for the team is the CIF meet. For most of the team this will be their first time at CIF, so coach Ortiz is hoping the team “will make a big step” and “try new things they have been practicing.” Ruiz has high expectations for the rest of the season and hopes to make it to state and “carry on the Poly legacy.” The Poly wrestling team is ready to face the playoffs with the support of each other to fuel them. If you haven’t been to a meet, come on out and support them.