Samo wrestling wrestles their way through a memorable season
Gwendolyn Warren, Staff Writer
Samo’s co-ed wrestling team has trained immensely this winter season and have prepared for just a couple more tournaments until the season ends. In the beginning of the new year, COVID-19 cases spiked, causing a shortened season for the athletes. With schools such as West Torrance, Beverly Hills, Mira Costa, Redondo Union and more high schools in the league, the wrestling team has achieved both triumphs and defeats this season.
The team was not able to compete in their first league meet, as it was canceled to ensure athlete’s safety from the rising COVID-19 cases. But by mid-January cases had gone down and the season finally began. While the team suffered losses against Calabasas, Royals high school and La Canada, the team pulled off wins against Norwalk and Dominquez high school.
David Jensen (’22) and Sam Moneta (’22), wrestlers for boys’ varsity, shared a win to get two in the League Championship. Taira Sakamoto (’23) won the league meet and Alicia Lewis (’24) took third.
After amazing victories by Sakamoto and Jensen at the League championship, they both continued on to the Masters which took place on Feb. 19. At the tournament, Sakamoto achieved a major win by placing 4th in Masters, which allowed her to enter the state tournament. However, Jensen’s journey ended after getting eliminated at the tournament.
Some of the wrestlers are going to Bakersfield to support Sakamoto where she will be competing for the State Championship. The Samo wrestling team has recently experienced an influx of new wrestlers. Team captain, Maggie Ineno (’22), has been on the wrestling team since freshman year, and is happy to see more new students join the sport. Ineno expressed her excitement for the new athletes and what she hopes to see in this season.
“We had a lot of new recruits, boys and girls, this year. Many are already doing extremely well in competition. I hope to see these wrestlers continue to progress and find passion for the sport alongside their teammates,” Ineno said.
While this season may soon come to an end, the excitement for the team has not waned. On the contrary –– the wrestlers, coaches and supporters are already looking forward to next year’s season.
David Jensen (’22) celebrates his success with a smile, as he pins down his opponent.