CVHS performs at CIF state championships
Three CVHS wrestlers qualified for the CIF State Wrestling Championships. Leadership students gathered outside to send them off as they left for several days of competition in Bakersfield. In addition, the competition was fierce with over 200 athletes from schools all over California. Despite the tough competition, these students left their marks, winning league titles in their respective weight classes. On top of that they all made it to the final day of the competition that spanned from Feb. 27 to March 1.
Junior Evie Rhoe placed third at NCS, advancing her to state. She began wrestling when she was in sixth grade but her wrestling journey was disrupted because of COVID. After COVID ended, she picked wrestling up again and has stuck with it ever since. Undoubtedly, wrestling practices are grueling and exhausting. However, Rhoe pushed through, relying on her determination and support from her family and coaches.
“Near the end of the season, I normally burn out. But having the goal this year of going to state really motivated me to try my hardest during practice and stay longer to fine tune my moves,” commented Rhoe.
Furthermore, at state, she made it through to the last day of the competition making it to the round of 16. She wrestled in the 135-pound bracket at state and lost her final match in the second period. She still has another year of wrestling here at CVHS and is sure to accomplish great things.
Another great addition to the team is Audrey Marquez, a freshman who went all the way to state this year. She has been wrestling for three years and started in seventh grade. Above all, she is very grateful for the support from her family, including her parents and her older sister, who inspired her to start wrestling. Her first year wrestling here at CVHS, she juggled choir as well as wrestling here on campus
“I know I have to sacrifice a lot to stay on top of everything, that’s just what dedication is. Wrestling is such a mental sport, but my mindset is just to have fun with it,” said Marquez.
At NCS, she placed third place in her bracket and advanced to state. Despite this being her first year at state, she made it to the round of 32 in the 105-pound bracket. Moreover, Marquez plans to continue wrestling in the future as well
Finally, Connor Jeong was the only boy wrestler to advance all the way to state. Jeong is a two-time NCS champion and has been wrestling since the 6th grade.
“The biggest lesson I learnt from wrestling is if you want something, you have to do it yourself and not rely on others for your own success,” stated Jeong.
Subsequently, he made it to the round of 16 at state in the 110-pound bracket. As a senior, Jeong plans to continue wrestling and wants to pursue college wrestling.
All three of these wrestlers have trained diligently throughout their season, going above and beyond to improve themselves. All of them commented on how wrestling feels draining and exhausting sometimes. Nonetheless, they all added on how they gained strength from the support of their coaches, family, and teammates.