Central Valley’s Breighdon Swenson and Ashley Juarez have been named the Courier’s Male and Female Newcomer Athletes of the Year, respectively, for the winter sports season.
Swenson was a standout in boys wrestling.
Juarez was a major contributor in girls soccer.
Swenson earned his first varsity letter in the sport.
The 126-pound sophomore compiled a 25-18 overall record on the mat.
“I’m proud of him,” Hawks’ head coach Rob Beckhart said. “He worked hard all throughout the offseason. He kept himself in good shape. He was committed. He was consistent. He trusted the process.”
Swenson won all seven of his matches while leading the Hawks to a share of the Western Athletic Conference’s dual-meet title.
“He was our only kid to go undefeated in our league duals,” Beckhart said.
Swenson compiled a 3-1 record on his way to a second-place finish at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Championships.
He claimed a silver medal (2-1) while propelling Central Valley to a first-place showing at the WAC Tournament.
He took third at Turlock’s Bulldog Classic and fourth at the Ceres Invitational.
Swenson also qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters event for the first time.
“Breighdon had a lot of success,” Beckhart said. “He was motivated. He was more confident. He was more aggressive in the way he goes out there and wrestles.”
Swenson earned a spot in Central Valley’s starting lineup at the beginning of the season.
“He was challenged a couple times but hung onto his spot,” Beckhart said. “He’s proven if you’re willing to put in the time and hard work, the spot’s open. You just have to take it.”
Swenson had to cut five pounds each week to make weight.
“I know it was difficult for him,” Beckhart said. “He made it work. He knows what he wants to accomplish. He has some lofty goals. I’m excited to see what he does the next two years.”
A role player as a freshman, Juarez had a breakout sophomore season as a team captain with the Western Athletic Conference-champion Hawks.
Juarez was voted Most Valuable Player of the WAC.
“She’s a very good player,” Central Valley head coach Miguel Larranaga said. “This year, she was a little more aggressive and that paid off. She improved in every aspect, being a leader, communicating and soccer skills.”
Juarez managed to rank first on the team in both goals (14) and assists (7) despite starting at left defender.
She collected six goals and five assists freshman year.
“Even though she played defense, she integrated into our offense and created a lot of scoring opportunities,” Larranaga said. “She took all of our free kicks and corner kicks. She’s fast. She can control the ball. She creates space. She’s a very good finisher.”
