By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — Members of the San Benito Greyhounds wrestling team will head to the Region IV-6A tournament Friday and Saturday in San Antonio and compete for a chance at state.
The top four will compete at state Feb. 18-19, and the fifth-place finisher will be an alternate.
Representing the girls will be senior Kristy Vasquez, senior Olivia Montalvo, junior Adamary Cortez, sophomore Lauren Cantu, sophomore Alexa Leija and freshman Star Juarez.
Montalvo and Cortez, each a District 16-6A champion, are nervous, but excited.
“It is nerve-wracking,” Montalvo said. “We worked so hard and have come so far to get here.”
The athletes have mixed emotions about the challenges the regional meet presents.
“It is my first year, so I am glad that I made it this far,” Vasquez said. “There is way more girls in San Antonio and we do not know who they are, so you do not know what they are capable of.”
Cantu admitted to being a bit scared. The girls did not wrestle last year because of COVID-19, so the new experience has created some of the nerves.
“I am pumped because it is a phenomenal opportunity,” Leija said with a huge grin.
A total of 13 San Benito boys wrestlers will compete at the regional meet, including district champions Ethan Ruiz, Cristian Faz and Cody Garza.
“I think it is going to be pretty fun,” said Ruiz, the team captain. “I am excited to try my best and see what I can do.”
Joining the district champions are Ismael Lerma, Moses Castillo, Ryan Perez, Kristian Domanski, Andrew Resendez, Angel Aguilar, James Cowen, Karmyne Castilleja, Nick Garcia and Mark Silva.
“I am a little nervous,” Silva said. “I had a long break because of COVID, but I am getting back in shape. I am going to be ready when the time comes.”
San Benito boys coach Balde Olivarez III said his team has looked forward to the regional meet all season, and doing well is one of its goals.
“State is the next step, but right now we are focused on regionals,” Olivarez said. “The guys feel good, and everyone is healthy. They are ready to perform, and we are all excited.”