On Wednesday February 5th, the Rangers Boys Varsity wrestling team went to the school across the street for the EYL championship tournament. Resulting in a Ranger victory.
By: Cody Abney and Ryan Harris
The Redwood Boys Wrestling Team easily won the East Yosemite League (EYL) title with a total of 276.5 points. Gunner Benedict, ‘25, Damian Viveros, ‘25, and Adrian De León, ‘25, all placed 1st in their respective weight classes. Benedict wrestles at 144 pounds, Viveros wrestles at 138, and De León wrestles at 150.
Viveros finished first in his weight class and shares, “The Grace of God helped carry me through the rocky path of life, without him I’m nothing.” Viveros has been an outstanding wrestler this season. “I make sure to make my name known, I fight with a 100% and the blood of Christ on my back,” says Viveros.
Gunner Benedict, ’25, has been in the wrestling program for 4 years. All 4 years, his team has been EYL Champions. Benedict says, “It’s been a blessing being in this program. I want to thank Coach Watts and Coach Wright for helping me capture this feeling 4 years in a row now.”
Photo J.Villarreal/Gigantea
Benedict has had a lot of inspirations when it comes to wrestling, his biggest inspiration is Jordan Burroughs, an American Olympian Wrestler. Benedict also said, “I am seriously considering going to Dagestan for 2 or 3 years and just forgetting about the U.S.” Dagestan is a place in the mountains of Russia where wrestling and grappling is top tier. Benedict believes he has the talent to go and believes he is on the caliber to wrestle in the olympics.
The Rangers travel to Selland Arena in Fresno, California on February 21st at 9:00, where the Masters tournament will be held. The wrestlers that punch their ticket to state will go on to Bakersfield at Mechanics Bank Arena on February 27th. The tournament goes until March 1st.
De León is known for the passion and heart he carries day in and day out. “I know that winning doesn’t come easy, I have to work for what I got.” De León had himself a day, placing first once again. De León is “excited for masters, and I hope I can punch my ticket to state, it would be a great way to go out for my senior year.”
Cody Abney
Cody Abney '25 is a second year writer for the Redwood Gigantea. He is interested in writing for the Sports and Arts and Entertainment. Abney is a very dedicated writer and specializes in feature pieces.
Tags: rangers, Redwood, redwood boys wrestling, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood wrestling, rhs, rhs boys wrestling, rhs wrestling, visalia ca
