Winter has arrived which means wrestling season is back in business. Granite Bay High School’s wrestling team is one of the best in the Sacramento area. 

Last year, the GBHS wrestling team had a great season. They were placed in top tier tournaments and performed well for their status.

Elias Mendoza is a junior who has been a part of the team since freshman year and he reflects back on the recent season. 

“Our season went really good last year. I placed at a lot of good national tournaments, and did really well, and not to forget, we also won league,” Mendoza said. “My goals for this year are improving my discipline and trying my best to not be as lazy.”

Many wrestlers participated in important and challenging tournaments. Gabe Jensen is a junior who has been in the program since freshman year and could relate to the topic due to his experience. 

“Last year, I did not do as well as I wanted to, but I did alright in the tournaments by going 4-2,” said varsity player Gabe Jensen. “I placed in really good tournaments around the country, but my main goal was to go to state.”

Pre-season is a huge part of the season. Students reunite with their teammates and work to be in the best physical shape possible before the beginning of the season. 

“We have been doing pre-season work twice a week, and it helps me a lot,” Jensen said. “I tend to get out of shape in the summer but this helps me get back in shape and ready for the beginning of our season.”

Wrestling pre-season work started August 28th. Vinny Perry is only one of the many players who have to attend fitness sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

“This is a really important year for the team and I. We have really high expectations. Our skill set is really good,” Perry said. “We have really talented players who know what they are doing so we have nothing to expect but the best from them.”