Lions powered by returning veterans
There are rumblings coming out of the El Molino wrestling camp this week, as the Lions get set to take the mat in the upcoming winter campaign.
Head coach Ron Wright is back for another go-around, optimistic about the months ahead and impressed by what he’s seen on the practice mat so far.
The Lions are coming off a strong 2016-17 season a year ago, highlighted by a fourth place league finish and a four-man contingent at the North Coast Section Championships.
El Mo returns nine athletes from last year’s squad, led by senior team captain and 172-pound NCS qualifier Sire Clark. Although Clark is recovering from a football injury, Wright is hopeful that he will return by mid-season.
“We expect his return for league competition in January and expect he will once again battle for a podium spot at the league championships and qualify for NCS,” Wright said. “If he comes back strong, I expect him in the finals at league.”
Also among the returning leaders is senior captain Angel Aguilar, Angelica Schmeichel and junior 120-pound NCS qualifier Wyatt Ayers.
“Angel is looking good in early season workouts and we hope for an improved season over last year and Angelica is a second year wrestler looking to improve as we head to several girls tournaments,” Wright noted. “Wyatt looks very strong this year and I expect him to win the league championship and go to NCS.”
Among a group of returning sophomores are Coleman Hayes and last year’s NCS alternates Deddy Coshnear and Nate Wheeler.
“These kids have really impressed me,” Wright said. “They are more mature, stronger, and more physical than their freshman year. By season’s end, don’t be surprised to see them doing big things.”
Also returning are sophomores Jimmy Cheatham and Wesley Schaivoneuries, who are now healthy after battling injuries most of last season.
Bolstering the roster is a group of promising freshmen that includes Zavier Grech, Erik Dimond and Asher Weathersbee. Junior Austin Kelsey is a first-year wrestler, while freshman Hannah Ricioli has been a quick learner and doubles the size of the girls team.
“These kids show some real promise and are coming along in their early season development, thanks to the mentors and teammates they have,” Wright said.
As for the final season before league realignment goes into effect next fall, the Lions would like to make it a memorable one.
“We want to be competitive in the SCL, especially since it’s the last year for the league,” Wright said. “I think we have some strong wrestlers and we can compete against everyone, even schools more than twice our size. We want to show that a small school, with a smaller squad, can still put out quality wrestlers.”
