The Claw

Starting the season fresh, and ready to win, the SLV Cougars Wrestling team is entering their first month of weekly tournaments. The first two tournaments of the season, The Peninsula Tournament and Harbor’s Frosh/Sophomore Tournament, were bravely fought on December 7th at Half Moon Bay and Harbor High by the wrestling teams freshman and sophomore players. The Lawson Memorial Tournament on Saturday, December 14th at Fremont High will be the next tournament the Cougars face. Wrestling’s December schedule will then conclude with the two-day Coast Classic Tournament at Aptos, on December 27th.

Returning Varsity players Patrick Brooks, Jed Kraft, Kurt Lambaron, and Jason Silva are all entering this season with ferocity and determination. The wrestling team’s primary goal is for all returning finalists to score 1st this year in SCCAL. An “achievable aspiration,” says former finalist and current coach Jeremiah Jurado.

“From my personal experience, Wrestling is one of the hardest sports one can do. It serves as both a team and an individual sport. While in practice, everyone is working together and building friendships. There are tons of encouragement and work put into improving everyone’s skill and ability. The discipline and focus required to make those improvements though, can be quite strenuous at times. And when it comes down to it, Wrestling is a One v. One sport. It isn’t like football, where there is a team at your back. As soon as you step into the ring it is all on you, and that can be a lot of stress in of itself,” explains Jeremiah, “but the benefits are entirely worth it. It is a very humbling experience, because as an individual you have to grow to meet and overcome all the obstacles set out before you. It teaches you to respect those around you, because while struggling through your obstacles, you realize that everyone else is wading through the same things. It is a tough journey, but by seeing it through there is insurmountable growth of character present, and that is invaluable when growing up.”

It is a very humbling experience, because as an individual you have to grow to meet and overcome all the obstacles set out before you.

A number of the limited Varsity players are entering this season with wounds sustained during Fall sports. Although they have to take it easy and miss the first couple of tournaments, each and every one of them are itching to be thrown back into the fray and to prove themselves in the ring. Enthusiastic students, school staff, and parents are encouraged to attend the tournaments when possible to support the team. A list of dates, times and meeting places can be found on the SLV main page under Winter Sports.