“We win together, we lose together, and we work hard together,” says Charlie Nguyen, a junior on the wrestling team. “My favorite thing is the work ethic you get from it and the satisfaction of getting your hand raised when you win a match,” she continues. For these girls, wrestling is not only about physical strength, but strategy, determination, and mentality. Starting from mid November to early March, the girl’s wrestling team trains to win and prepare for CCS. The girl’s wrestling team has been successful for the past few years, placing top in CCS and winning tournaments, and they are looking forward to another year of triumphs. “This season should be our best season yet; we have enough girls to possibly win tournaments as a team. Which I think we will be able to do with the talent we have this year,” says Valerie Vigil.

Wilcox girl’s wrestling has increased in popularity over the previous three years. In the 2014-2015 season, there were only three female participating athletes, but now they are now going strong with nine.

Despite the small size of the team, the girls made it all the way to winning sixth place as an overall team in CCS last season. Valerie Vigil won first place individually in CCS, with Jezebel Garcia following her closely in second, and Charlie Nguyen in third, allowing them to be state qualifiers. This year, as a team, they are looking forward to competitions, and are hoping to finish off the season strong. Jezebel Garcia’s goal is to become the first four year girl wrestler at Wilcox, along with Charlie Nguyen. Additionally, she hopes to be the first girl to win state.

Alexis Perez, who transferred to Wilcox last year after being a five year wrestler, says “My favorite thing about the team are the coaches. They’re unbiased and want the best for everyone.” Some of her goals this year are to place in the top three for CCS and have a state win.

None of their wins come easily, and being a wrestler requires a lot of practice, “Even though it’s hard work, it pays off,” says Mikaela Aguiniga, two year wrestler. Practices are co-ed with both males and females, led by Coach Ted Pettigrew, head coach of the wrestling program, and Coach Jim Wilks, head of the girl’s team. Practice is five days a week with tournaments mainly on weekends. During practice, they do warmups such as stretches, running, and lifting weights, work on a number of techniques, and of course, wrestle. Coach Pettigrew’s goal for this year is to place top four in CCS, “The girls have more experience,” he adds, comparing this year’s team to previous years.

Vigil, a 2016 CCS champion, says wrestling has helped her in many ways: “I’ve developed a lot of skills from wrestling, not just how to do wrestling moves but skills that transfer into real life like hard work, dedication, respect and time management.” Additionally, the team’s chemistry helps them all work together fluidly, “My team has a really strong bond, we have really good chemistry,” Vigil adds. “We really push each other to work harder and achieve our goals.”

“I’ve gained a lot of strength mentally with my confidence and pushing my limits further than I could imagine,” Charlie Nguyen comments. “However, physically I’ve gotten faster and stronger with all the training and conditioning.” Nguyen adds that she especially looking forward to competing against Milpitas who are new to the division. Additionally, “My favorite thing about being on the team is the bonds you make with the teammates; I would describe my team as family,” Nguyen continues. The tight bond of the team and their hard work leads them to success.

The girls work to power through any obstacle that is ahead of them, wrestling their way to the top. They are looking forward to a successful season of teamwork and determination. Do not forget to come out and support the girl’s wrestling team at their first home dual against Milpitas, January 5th, 2017 in the main gym at 5:30, and watch these girls in action. Wrestling is more than just a game of strength, like Vigil says, “Wrestling isn’t just about winning, it’s about developing character.”