Wrapping Up a Memorable MBHS Wrestling Season
by Lucy Haydu
February 28, 2025MBHS’ wrestling season brought excitement to the mats for both the boys and girls team’s wrestlers. As the season comes close to an end, they reflect on the achievements that the wrestling team has had this year. In an interview with Chelsea Vera Catalan and Brody Wood you can see how the season went for them personally.
Chelsea Vera Catalan, MBHS seniorsaid, “I started wrestling my freshman year of high school and the reason I joined was because of my brother.” Vera Catalan’s brother was very passionate about wrestling and coached her to do her best. Vera Catalan has a system for school work and wrestling and said, “My system is school work stays at school and my only free days are on Sundays and if I have free time I do work then too.” Vera Catalan’s most memorable match attending MBHS was, “It was probably the blood match last year because I was going for state and then I was one point away from winning and they gave me a penalty for pulling hair.” This made Vera Catalan very upset and she lost the match and didn't make it to the state finals. Vera Catalan wants to go to Cuesta for 2 years to get more skilled then transfer to a 4 year. Something Vera Catalan would say to someone that wants to join wrestling is, “You really have to commit to it and your diet, that is something I've learned through the years.”
MBHS has seen success in various team competitions this season. From local dual meets to larger regional tournaments, the wrestling team’s teamwork and dedication shows how strong they are. Like many high school sports teams, MBHS wrestlers faced challenges this season, including injuries and the ongoing pressure of high-level competition. Despite these hurdles, the team maintained focus, and coaches worked hard to support them and make sure they perform at their best.
Brody Wood, a freshman at MBHS stated that, “I have been doing wrestling for four years now, including this year and I first started in 6th grade at Los Osos middle school.” Since Wood has been wrestling for four years, this is what he thought when starting wrestling, “At first I thought it was really hard because I would get challenging opponents, but as the years went on it got way easier.” You could definitely tell he is a great wrestler and knows that you need to persevere and train before it gets easier. Wood also stated, “While I do wrestling I need to balance my academics too, and I do that by saving time for both of them.” Because wrestling is a very hard sport Wood said, “One of my most memorable and hard tournaments was battle of the belt in Temecula Valley and it was very challenging, I went 0 in 2.” Some advice Wood would give to someone who wants to join and be a part of the wrestling team was, “Just go to the practices and then we’ll work you and it will be hard for a little while but then you will get used to the practices and matches.”
The 2024-2025 wrestling season has been a lot of hard work, dedication, and athleticism of both the girls and boys teams. As we reflect on the individual accomplishments, we celebrate the growth of the program this year. We are also moving forward with a strong foundation and promising future, with greater success in the season. On Feb. 26, 2025 the MBHS wrestling team left for state. All the students walked out of class and there was the school band and big posters with it saying go pirate wrestlers. At CIF, Senior Shea Dawson made it to Round 16 in CIF State ranking him in the top 16 for boys wrestling in the 138 weight class in the state. Additionally, senior Ahlexis Terry made it to Round one in CIF State ranking her top 32 for girls wrestling in the 130 weight class in the state. Lastly, senior Chelsea Catalan made it to Round 16 in CIF State ranking her top 16 for girls wrestling in the 135 weight class in the state. Overall, this was a good ending to the boys and girls wrestling season at MBHS.