CORNING, CA (MPG) – Pierce High School started its first season as an official wrestling team on Nov. 27 when it traveled to Corning to compete against Las Plumas, Paradise, and the host Cardinals.
With only three Bear grapplers having wrestled previously, it was a new experience for the 14 other team members.
First-year wrestler Makinzie Guzman overcame her opponent with a reversal late in the first round that she successfully converted into a victorious fall by pin, while veteran Lina Perez also pinned her opponent after a strategic set up, takedown and finish.
Tony Reynolds and Quin Stephens, Pierce’s other two experienced wrestlers, used new techniques and mat strategies to overcome their opponents.
Additional standouts included seniors, Jacob Pina and Adrian Carrillo, both in their first year of wrestling, who went undefeated for a combined five wins.
Overall, it was a performance that showed head coach Devin Harris not only the squad’s potential, but also the strides it has made in a short time span.
“What they currently lack in technical expertise, they made up for in pure grit and drive,” said Harris. “I’m blown away by the determination and hunger these kids have to come out, compete, and succeed. I can’t wait to see their development and progress six weeks from now. I’m really proud of the team and I believe we represented our school and families well here tonight.”
Echoing Harris’s sentiment was assistant coach Rex Dorrough, who added, “It was really fun to see how much the kids have improved, grown, and applied what they are learning in the wrestling room to live competition in such a short amount of time. The energy on the mat was undeniable.”
The Bears were back at it Wednesday in Williams and are at the Paradise Invitational Tournament today. They finish off the week Saturday, Dec. 9, at River Valley High School’s Battle of the Buttes.