"Grow Women's Wrestling"
Story by Chris Nunez
Pictures by @Jenericoo (Instagram)
Over the past few years, the wrestling community has utilized social media platforms and peer to peer education to start a movement that would allow for increased opportunities for Women's Wrestling at the collegiate level. "Grow Womens Wrestling"
California is a well-known powerhouse for Women's Wrestling at the high school level. However, very few opportunities exist for women in wrestling to advance to the collegiate level. The state of California only has 3 four-year wrestling programs available, 5 sanctioned CCCAA teams, and 4 club teams (awaiting CCCAA status). Therefore, there are limited opportunities obtainable despite the countless amount of talent across the state.
East Los Angeles Community College has contributed to the movement to allow for more opportunities by adding Women's Wrestling to be the 17th sport in the Athletics department. ELAC is one of 5 sanctioned CCCAA schools in the state.
A milestone was made by the Lady Huskies after medaling at the State Duals held at Fresno City College:
"They placed 3rd in the State duals competitions beating Fresno City and Sacramento City. It has been an honor to coach this group of wrestlers," said Miguel Soto Women's Wrestling Head Coach
The Lady Huskies continued this momentum a week later as they hosted the first ever Women's Tournament at ELAC, LEADER OF THE PACK. The Lady Huskies took this opportunity to showcase their dominance yet again:
"Tied for second at their home tournament out of ten teams." Soto added. "This group of talented wrestlers have won making huge upsets with a small team competing against teams with nearly full lineups."
Coach Soto and Assistant coach Angel Solis were very proud of these ladies and especially the Captains leading the team.
The team is led by captains Deliah Felix Lopez and Galilea Garcia.
Soto spoke glowingly of his captain.
"Deliah Felix Lopez remains undefeated against California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) athletes, "she is relentless in her training one of the hardest working athletes I have worked with"
Lopez shared her experience being part of this team:
"I loved that I was able to be a part of the ELAC's first ever women's team and it was such an amazing feeling to be able to tie for second with the little girls we have, and also being able to be a part of the team to host the first women's tournament."
Stand out performers at the LEADER OF THE PACK were Izzy Calle and Ariana Valdivia Camacho. Izzy Calle finished first at the state duals and dominated the tournament by winning all her matches by pin taking first.
Ariana Valdivia Camacho had a great run easily winning her first two matches making it to the finals facing her opponent from Mt. Sac. After a competitive match Camacho ultimately lost to her opponent by a few points representing the lady huskies well.
Here are the place winners from the tournament:
(116) Miya Galvan placed 3rd, (123) Delilah Felix-Lopez placed 1st,
(128) Ariana Valdivia-Camacho placed 2nd, (160) Galilea Garcia-Salazar placed 3rd,
(220) Isabella Calle placed 1st
The State Championships are April 22nd the coaches and wrestlers share what we can expect:
"Going into the state tournament, it's not only a physical battle but also a mental one. Also to give these next weeks all my hard work and having confidence in myself that I can come out with the win" Lopez stated.
Assistant coach Angel Solis has been a huge part of this program, along with Soto and the team captains. They plan to lead the Lady Huskies as they approach the postseason.
"Moving into the state tournament, we expect to have a strong finish to a great inaugural season. Even though we are a small group our athletes are dedicated, hardworking, and maintain positive attitudes" stated Solis.
The coaching staff and wrestlers are looking to make a run at the state tournament despite a large roster, the wrestlers look motivated and hungry as they quickly approach the State Tournament.
