By ALANA MENDOZA
The Tower
After months of training, determination, and commitment, the Manteca High girls wrestling team is ready to overcome challenges and compete to make a name for itself on the mat.
With hours spent practicing techniques, building strength, and engaging in competition each day, wrestlers are looking forward to turning their hard work into success.
As experienced wrestlers are returning, the team hopes to build on its previous accomplishment while continuing to improve throughout the season. Coaches Vincent Bordi and Jose Cortez are building a strong, close-knit group for both boys and girls that will carry each other to the top.
Bordi expects more girls to continue working hard and make weight so they can place on the podium and compete at an even higher level. However, his goal is not just wanting wrestlers to place at a tournament, but to see them become champions.
Wrestling makes their start heavy this year!! (The Tower)
"We don't just want to be on the podium; we want to be at the top," Bordi said. "With Senior Lily Rios graduating this year, we will be losing a talented wrestler that made an impact on the program, but this is just room for the next generation to improve."
Although he is confident new talent will come in, he emphasizes the importance of developing and pushing them toward their fullest potential for the girls' wrestling program. For Bordi, the most rewarding part of coaching is watching the wrestlers succeed and helping them accomplish what they thought wasn't possible.
His advice to anyone interested in joining wrestling is simple: "Don't be soft."
The Buffaloes are led by Breanna Bragg, a state qualifier, Serah Thomas, Aubrie Strickland, and many more talented wrestlers.
Thomas is excited and determined as she enters her second-year wrestling for Manteca High. Her goal this season is to make it to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters tournament. Even during the offseason, Thomas, who competes in the 110-pound weight class, has continued to work hard, improve her skills, and push herself to reach her full potential.
Thomas recalls one of her toughest experiences at Sonora High School, where she suffered three losses and felt discouraged. However, she did not let those losses define her. Instead, she pushed through the disappointment and came back stronger, earning a third-place finish at Beyer High School.
When asked about her favorite part of wrestling, Thomas shared, "My favorite thing about wrestling is winning and making great memories with my teammates."
Her favorite move is pinning her opponents. With determination, hard work, and a positive mindset, Thomas is ready to take on the season and work toward achieving her goal of making it to Masters.
Wrestling is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle that teaches hard work. Coaches play an important role in helping wrestlers improve, while pushing them to be better every day. Behind every match are hours of practice, effort, and commitment. Wrestling continues to bring people together and show what it means to never give up.