After falling to Bishop Alemany High School on Jan. 26, the varsity wrestling team’s record stands at 1-3 in the Mission League competition.
The season began with strong individual performances at several early tournaments, including the Spartan Kickoff on Nov. 15. Nelson Labombard ’27 finished fourth, the best finish by a student in the last five years. Labombard, individually, has gone on to have a 14-7 record in matches, with a 3-0 record in league play.
The team began Mission League play in early December with a loss against Chaminade High School before bouncing back with a victory over Crespi High School on Jan. 7. Since then, they have dropped two matches in a row to Bishop Amat High School and Bishop Alemany High School. The team will compete in the Mission League Individual Finals on Feb. 7.
Labombard said the team’s youthful character has shaped their development and mentality throughout the season.
“Our team is really young,” Labombard said. “We only have one senior and a ton of freshmen, so a lot of guys are still figuring out how to compete at this level. We have a super high potential as a team.”
Labombard said, despite a disappointing season, he is optimistic about the program’s trajectory.
“Even though we’re just 1-3 in league right now, we’re only going to keep getting better,” Labombard said. “Everyone is going to get more wrestling experience and I see a very bright future in this team over the next couple of years.”
Labombard said the team still has high hopes for the postseason.
“Our goal as a team is to qualify for state to keep our season going and make the podium there,” Labombard said. “Personally, I want to focus more on the process and let go of the outcome of a match.”
Finn Kapsos ’28 said the underclassmen are adjusting well to the higher level of high school competition.
“The younger players are acclimating to increased expectations at a really good pace,” Kapsos said. “There is a range of success as for many of them it is their first time competing at a high school level, but the freshmen are performing well at JV tournaments with some even placing multiple times.”
Looking ahead, the team will continue its postseason preparation before wrestlers will need strong performances at the Mission League Individual Finals on Feb. 7 in order to fulfill their hopes of advancing to the CIF Southern Section Championships and CIF State Championships. As the season comes to an end, the team remains focused on execution, joy and program development.
