Santa Rosa completes first season of girls wrestling program

The five wrestlers in the first year of Santa Rosa Academy's girls wrestling program pose with their coaches.

By Jackie Ballard, Menifee 24/7 Intern

Even though the Santa Rosa Academy girls wrestling team did not make it to the CIF postseason this year due to losses at the qualifying tournament Feb. 3, the first year of the program was a success.

The girls "didn’t do their best as wrestlers; they’re better than that," said coach Anthony Thompson about the CIF prelims. "They were intimidated by how big the tournament was. But they wrestle hard and listen; that’s what matters the most."

A total of 340 girls were at the tournament, representing more than 40 schools. The top eight girls in each of the 14 weight classes advanced to the CIF tournament on Feb. 10. Out of the five girls on the Santa Rosa team, only two were able to compete. The other three were injured.

Daisy George, wrestling in the 150-pound weight class, and Skyler Belleville, at 131 pounds, fought for their spot in the CIF tournament but lost their two matches and did not advance.

Although the losses at the tournament were disappointing, the girls went far this season. Over the course of six months, they put in countless hours of hard work. The team practiced after school every day for four hours and competed in tournaments on most weekends.

The girls wrestle with fierce determination, putting blood, sweat, tears, and incredible effort into each practice.

"Although we didn’t have any monumental awards, we will always know that we were a big stepping stone for girl wrestlers at Santa Rosa," said sophomore wrestler Audri Ramos.

Although this season is coming to a close, the girls know that with a little more practice, they will be fully prepared to dominate next year.