By: Monica Aviles
Redwoods Girl’s wrestling took second place at the tournament held at Redwood on Saturday, December 14. The team has competed in four tournaments so far, and has many more to go.
The Girl’s wrestling team has been practicing since the beginning of October and also conditioned all summer. There are a total of 12 athletes on the team, with only six returners.
Rita Ramirez is the new head Varsity coach for this year’s team. She has faced many difficulties being first year head coach like, “learning the logistics (ordering gear, setting the schedule, etc.).” Ramirez is very thankful to have Coach Orosco and Coach Watts assisting her as she is the first ever woman coach of a Visalia Unified School District wrestling team.
She is also very optimistic about this season, and sees “a lot of hard work. We have a young team this season, but everyone is progressing.”
“Showing up to practice and teaching has been the best part.”
Team captain, Lynice Luna, 21’, has not lost a match in this season so far, and has taken first place in her weight class each tournament as well. Luna thinks the season is going great and sees much improvement in the team.
“All of us will work our hardest so we can win WYL,” said Lynice. She also hopes to place top six at state.
Mia Zermeno, 23’, joined the team this year. She is really ecstatic to be apart of a team, and to have the opportunity to experience wrestling. A goal she has for herself is to “get as much experience as possible,” and to focus on getting stronger both physically and mentally.
“The season is going pretty well… It’s been a lot of hard work, but we will do great if we continue to put in the effort we are putting in now.”
So far, the team has been thriving and progressing. They are hoping to defend their WYL championship, and to get as many girls as possible for state. Their next tournament will be on January 8th, against Lemoore.