Ceres High’s boys wrestling program will rely on a mix of veterans and new talent this season.
“The kids are eager to learn,” head coach Adam Borges said. “They’re high-spirited. They work hard. They’re getting better every day. I’m looking forward to the future.”
The Bulldogs have a roster size of 26 grapplers.
“We have a young team,” Borges said. “We don’t really have a set varsity lineup.”
Ceres High’s top returners are Parker Borges (Sr.), Hunter Hammons (Sr.), Jaden Silva (Sr.), Aiden Cisneros (Jr.), Dakota Pickett (Jr.) and Daniel Tubera (So.).
The Bulldogs’ top newcomers are Anthony Aldana (So.), Adamir Jimenez (So.), Kyle Mitts (So.), Lionel Villanueva (So.) and Elijah Villamarin (So.).
Borges, Hammons and Tubera have been named team captains.
“Parker has been a captain for a while,” coach Borges said. “He brings leadership. He sets a great example. Hunter’s a leader in the room. He’s always willing to help out. A lot of the younger kids relate more to Daniel because they’re the same age.”
Borges fell one win shy of advancing to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships as a junior.
He was named an alternate for the event following his fifth-place showing in the 144-pound weight bracket at the Division-IV Tournament.
He won four of six matches.
Borges medaled at four of six tournaments last season.
He compiled a 3-1 record en route to a third-place finish at the Western Athletic Conference finals.
Pickett placed sixth with a 1-3 record while competing in the 159-pound weight bracket of the 2024-25 WAC Championships.
Tubera compiled an 0-2 record at 134 pounds.
Ceres High qualified five individuals for the Division-IV Championships last season.
The Bulldogs placed fifth in the WAC dual-meet standings with a 3-4 record.
Ceres High finished eighth at the conference tournament.
“I don’t have super high expectations,” coach Borges said. “We have a young team. They can’t quit when it gets hard. By their senior year, I’m hoping we’ll be able to compete for the WAC championship. Hopefully, they can climb that ladder a lot faster. I want us to succeed. It’s going to take time.”
The Bulldogs will face Central Valley, Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Livingston, Pacheco and Lathrop during the 2025-26 WAC season.
“A lot of the schools have solid teams,” Adam Borges said.
The Ceres High-Central Valley crosstown dual will be staged on Jan. 28 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.
The Hawks cruised to a 54-22 win against the Bulldogs last season.
“The kids get pumped up for it,” coach Borges said. “They’re friends when they’re off the mat. Once, they step on the mat, they’re serious.”
The WAC Championships will be held on Feb. 7 at Ceres High.
The Bulldogs will host the Ceres Invitational this Saturday at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.
“I expect them to work hard and get better every day,” Adam Borges said while talking about expectations for the 2025-26 campaign.
