WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – Wrestling kicked off in Colusa County for the first time in the 2025-26 season as Williams hosted teams from Maxwell, Pierce, Biggs, Oroville, Paradise and Willows in a match night last on Dec. 3.
With a gym full of participants and spectators, Yellowjacket coach Nik Willis called it “a great night of wrestling” and also pointed out that many of his grapplers experienced competition for the very first time.
Willis singled out the efforts of freshman Armando Medina who went 2-0 in the 285-pound weight class, along with fellow underclassman Emma Gandara who was 2-1 in her debut at 170 pounds.
Additionally, for the ‘Jackets, Azael Velazquez went 1-1 at 175 pounds as did Julian Camerena at 144 pounds.
Medina and Gandara then moved on to the Panu Classic at Yuba City High School on Dec. 6, where they pair finished first and third in their respective weight classes.
Pierce, another team with a growing contingent, is focusing on scoring points and putting into practice what they have learned thus far, according to Coach Devin Harris.
“Our team is growing and this year we are green with a lot of talented, new and eager athletes,” Harris explained. “I was so proud of the kids stepping to the line, battling for their pride, but being humble and vulnerable in trying new moves and combos that they hadn’t yet put together in competition. What we lacked in total victories at match night will compound and pay us back through the end of the season.”
One of the Bear wrestlers showing that promise was Dayami Villanueva who after doing well in Williams, finished as the tournament champion in her weight class at Yuba City’s Panu Classic.
A newcomer to the team competition, Maxwell also made a strong showing in its introductory appearance, with Connor Pearson dominating his three opponents, while Lucas Bowen and Robert Shadley each finished 2-0 with wins by fall.
Colt Montgomery, Ian Lepe and Sebastian Rolon went 1-1 in their inaugural matches.
Wrestlers returned to Williams on Dec. 10 for the second match night of the season.