Hello wrestling fans, prior wrestlers, wrestling fanatics, parents of wrestlers, coaches and the 2007-2008 wrestlers themselves, it is that time of year again; it is wrestling season. Thus while most normal folks are unpacking their holiday decorations, planning their holiday feasts or shopping for holiday gifts, Valley Christian wrestlers are climbing bleachers, running up and down hills, weight lifting, drilling on the mat and eating lean balanced meals in preparation for the grueling wrestling season that is forthcoming.

Other great news is we are still blessed to have retained our great coaching staff:

Head Varsity Coach: Oscar Gonzalez Jr.
Assistant Varsity Coach: Oscar Gonzalez Sr.
Head JV Coach: Steve Hernandez
Assistant JV Coach: Ryan McKee

Our coaches are very excited and optimistic about our 2007-2008 wrestling season and have carefully and strategically scheduled Varsity and JV level tournament competition for the 2007-2008 year to maximize our wrestlers experience and growth. They selected tournaments in various counties and at various wrestling levels to expose our wrestlers to all types of competition. They hope these experiences will prepare them well for regular season dual meets and post season competition. Again, they are pleased with the group of wrestlers that they have and expect great things from them this year. Other than having lost state qualifier – Ryan Gardner, all the other wrestlers are returning. More importantly, they are returning healthy.

Peipe James a 2006 League Champ & CCS placer is returning after falling short of completing the season last year when he suffered a knee injury at practice late in the season. He had hopes of placing again at CCS in 2007 and possibly being a state qualifier. LJ’s coaches are hopeful he will fulfill his goals in 2008.

Team Captain Adam Crawley is also returning healthy. He placed 2nd at league and was a CCS Qualifier He suffered a severe shoulder injury at the Central Coast Section championships and could not continue. AJ is the complete wrestler and with his outstanding mat scrambling ability, he has the tools to capture a league title this year and much more.

Heavy Weight Chris Tozer is also returning. Chris finished the season with a nagging back ache that really inhibited his wrestling attack during post season competition. Chris has his eyes on a league title this year. However his coaches are hopeful he will place at CCS and possibly be another State Qualifier.

Other Notable Returning Varsity Wrestlers include:

2007 League Champ and CCS Qualifier: Charlie Galaviz
Charlie hopes to capture another league title but more importantly hopes to be a State Qualifier or possibly State Placer. Coach Oscar Gonzalez Sr. feels Charlie is our most technically sound wrestler and has witnessed a new level of maturity in him that will aid him in achieving his goals.

“Work Horse” Michael Sherwood
Michael pushes himself to the limit and has demonstrated an incredible amount of progress. Academically Michael is a shining star and an inspiration to others on the team.

“The Hulk” Mafoe James
Mafoe James may be the strongest wrestler on the team. As his technique improves he will be very difficult to stop. He had impressive wins at the Foothill Tournament & Clayton Valley Tournament. All indications are he will be a WCAL finalist this year.

Jordon Osuna was last years Most Improved wrestler. He successfully and transparently made the transition from JV to Varsity wrestling and made an instant positive impact. His desire to improve is evidenced thru his off season conditioning and post season freestyle wrestling. Don’t be surprised to see Jordan take league & be ranked in the top 15 in CCS.

“Relentless” Christopher Van Elderen
CJ is explosive, strong and very quick. He also never quits. He just fell short last year in qualifying for post season competition. With a little tweaking of his technique, CJ’s coaches believe he will be this seasons true “Dark Horse” or “Sleeper.