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CV girls wrestling has talent, depth to compete for CCC championship
Julia Roton, Mia Mendoza
Julia Roton, Mia Mendoza and Central Valley High School’s girls wrestling program have high expectations for the 2021-22 campaign. - photo by Dale Butler

Coach Rob Beckhart believes Central Valley High School’s girls wrestling program will enjoy individual and team success during the 2021-22 season.

The Hawks have talent and depth.

“We have the numbers to move girls around to have a competitive lineup,” Beckhart said. “A team with four kids will have trouble beating us.”

Central Valley has a roster size of 13.

The Hawks return five grapplers from a season ago in Savannah Gomez (Sr., 170 pounds), Kylie Maines (Sr., 111s), Julia Roton (Sr., 235s), Soriah Corona (Jr., 101s) and Mia Mendoza (170s, Jr.).

Central Valley has eight newcomers in Stephanie Aguilar (Sr., 126s), Cintia Martin (Sr., 111s), Marianna Carranza (Jr., 131s), Aliyah Badillo (Fr., 131s), Jayden Corona (Fr., 106s), Brianna Espinoza (Fr., 235s), Keilany Torres (Fr., 106s) and Yahaira Torres (Fr., 116s).

“The first goal of any program is to get numbers,” Beckhart said. “Then you can figure out who’s going to wrestle at what weight class.”

“We’ve done a pretty good job of being able to recruit,” he added. “We have a lot of newcomers that are trying to learn the sport.”

High school wrestling programs throughout California were limited to just dual scrimmages a season ago due to COVID-safety concerns.

Schedules will consist of dual, tournament and postseason competition in 2021-22.

“We’re excited for the kids to be able to compete,” Beckhart said. “It (wrestling) promotes exercise and mental strength.”

Central Valley will compete against Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Golden Valley, El Capitan and Patterson during the Central California Conference dual season.

The Hawks will host the CCC Championships on Feb. 4.

Central Valley claimed 11 individual medals en route to a runner-up finish at the conference finals during its last full season of competition in 2019-20. The Hawks placed second in the CCC dual standings with a 5-1 record. 

Atwater prevented Central Valley from winning its third straight conference title.

The Hawks took first at the CCC Tournament in 2018-19. Central Valley shared the league’s overall championship with Atwater.

Central Valley claimed the Western Athletic Conference’s overall, tournament and dual titles in 2017-18.

“I do believe we’re going to be competitive this year,” Beckhart said. “We should finish at least top two in league. Atwater is going to be a challenge.”