Despite a 30-27 loss to Chaminade in their first Mission League match, the wrestling team remains optimistic due to multiple individual victories.

Russell Davis ’17 and Jake Kelly ’20 both won by fall, and Calvin Kaleel ’18, John Cahill ’20 and Justin Butler ’19 won by decision.

“We lost by three points but there was a lot of positive progress and we are in good shape to win the next one,” Liam Douglass ’18 said. “Although we are 0-1, we have to not let this affect our mindset when we train and practice, in fact it just motivates us. We are trying to take it one duel at a time.”

With only one experienced senior on the the squad, the team is readily incorporating its newest players.

“This season has been a fun one,” Douglass said. “The team welcomed me with open arms and I cannot be more thankful for them. It is my first year of wrestling and I am just trying to learn as much as I can from my teammates and coaches.”

Also a varsity football player, Douglass is excited to learn everything he can about his new sport.

“The most important thing for my development as a wrestler is to listen to what my teammates and coaches have to say,” Douglass said. “I am gradually picking up how to wrestle from Coach Cartmill, Coach Craig and all of my teammates.”

The team’s first tournament was at Newbury Park Dec. 3.

“My favorite moment of the season has to be the first tournament,” Douglass said. “Just walking in and seeing all the different athletes getting ready to compete, and competing in the tournament myself, was an incredible experience.”

Having 13 players this year compared to only nine last season, the team is hoping to improve from their 0-4 season. In the Blackwater tournament, Calvin Kaleel ’18 finished 3rd, Russell Davis ’17 finished 4th, and John Cahill ’18 finished 5th.

“We’ve really improved both as a team and individuals. We are looking forward to three more duals against Bishop Alemany and Crespi,” Kaleel said. “We have two more tournaments at Santa Ynez and Montclair as we head into Mission League Finals and beyond.”

With only two league games left before Mission League playoffs, the team hopes to win their upcoming meets.

“I am looking forward to finishing out the season on a high note, and we as a team hope to move forward once we finish in the top three in league,” Douglass said.

Kaleel also has a positive outlook on the team’s season.

“Overall, we have done well, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season,” Kaleel said.