Saddleback High School - Caparral Yearbook (Santa Ana, CA)

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Pride and determination provide self-motivation 1 by Karma Cerda Entering the season as league championship hopefuls, the varsity wrestling squad had one goal — to send as many wrestlers to CIF. At least half of them, noted Coach Jeff Gonzales. With a squad consisting of many rookies, the team faced tough com- petition against more experienced wrestlers. We had a very young squad, James Medlin, four year letterman, said but our strong point was every- one working hard as a team. It (wrestling) is an individ- ual sport, but you have to work as a team to be suc- cessful. ' ' — Larry Silva I tried to contribute to the team as much as possible, Larry Silva, first year letterman, added. However, according to Joe Gutier- rez, also a four year letterman, par- ticipation in wrestling developed a sense of pride and self-confidence among the players, most of which was due to the strong support by the coaches, who advocated the motto, We win as a team, and we lose as a team. The squad ' s vigorous workouts paid off in December when they cap- tured second place at the Buena Park Tournament. In individual ac- complishments, Adrian Gomez, Al- bert Quintanilla and Joe Gutierrez all placed first. I am proud of the way they wres- tled. They always gave 110% and did their best, Gutierrez concluded. V ♦ Varsity wrestling scorekeeper Sheila Martinez watches the match attentively in order to keep accurate results. Throughout the season, Mar- tinez and Angelica Cardoza traveled with the squad to all games and tournaments. ♦ By placing third in the league finals. Senior Al- bert Lopez qualified to participate in the CIF Play- offs held at Redondo Beach on February 15 and 16. Besides wrestling. Lopez was also involved in Executive Council. ♦ Junior Bardo Gomez, determined to win his match, attempts to pin his opponent. Gomez placed first in league finals at his level and there- fore, qualified for CIF competition Winter Sporrs 61

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A Tran Nguyen out maneuvers his opponent to add extra points to his score. In this crucial match against Estancia which determined the league championship, every point counted. In an important game. Mark Burford des- perately tries to pin his opponent and win an- other match for Saddleback. Burford had the distinction of being the only freshmen on the varsity squad. Four year letterman Albert Quintanilla applies his wrestling techniques on an Estan- cia opponent. Practices kept the wrestlers in prime condition physically and mentally. Varsity Wres- tling — Row 1: M. Burford. A. Lopez. R. Inta. B. Gomez. M. Huerta. A. Go- mez. T. Nguyen Row 2: J. Gonzales. L. Silva. S. Medhn. J. Medlin. A. Quin- tanilla. R. Aguilera, J Gutierrez. E. Her- rera

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Giving all of his strength not to lose the match is Albert Melendez. Trying to pin his opponent ' s shoulders is Louie Ochoa. In order to win a match, a wres- tler must hold the opponent ' s shoulders to the mat. A Emmanuel Lopez is determined to win the match. Emmanuel was considered a strong and dedicated wrestler. JV Wrestling — Row 1: H. Quoc. J. Arias. T. Torralba. C. Bueno. A. Oli- vares. R. Mascar. Row 2: . Rosas. R. Perez. A. Melendez. G. Pimental. J. Gri- jalva. J. Ochoa. D. Wilson Frosh Soph Wrestling — Row 1: C. Salinas. K. Do. E. Lopez, G. Perez. R. Zavala. L. Ochoa. Row 2: . Rosas. A. Salvato. M. Gri- jalva. S. Forsyth, C. Turner. S. Hong, J. Torres