Wrestling dynasty
I recently read a letter in the Feb. 25 edition of the IV Press entitled, “Recognizing a Dynasty.” I am sure that the recognition of the Brawley Union High School boys’ wrestling team as a “dynasty” is and was greatly appreciated; however, these comments were buried in the middle of the article and would have been missed if you didn’t read the entire article.
Similarly, the San Diego Union-Tribune ran a short piece concerning the Brawley wrestling team’s 18th consecutive division title. I don’t believe that this brief reference gave the wrestlers and coaches the justice and recognition that they truly deserve.
These young adults are “elite” athletes at the high school level. It is amazing to see the motivation and dedication these young adults portray and exemplify during the season.
While most high schoolers are eating burritos, burgers, pizzas and French fries, the vast majority of these athletes are required to eat healthy and nutritious diets in order to maintain their weight class and to maximize their food intake for maximum energy output.
These athletes are required to attend practices at 5 a.m. before school hours and up until 5 p.m. after school on a weekly basis while maintaining grades, other activities, homework and chores at home.
Anyone who has ever worked out or seriously exercised will recognize that a wrestler’s physique comes from hard work and dedication. These athletes continue to compete at their chosen sport through bumps, bruises, aches, pains, injuries and illness.
In order to become a dynasty, much work and dedication must be put forth by those who supervise these athletes. I don’t believe the word “coach” does the position justice. The coach and assistant coaches become mentors, friends, advisors and part of these young adult’s families. I have seen these coaches take money out of their own pockets because an athlete couldn’t afford money to eat after a tournament. They often get phone calls and text messages from team members well outside of normal work hours.
Our wrestlers are at an automatic disadvantage because the vast majority of events are held in San Diego County. This means weekly trips to areas all over San Diego that result in leaving between 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. from the Imperial Valley to make 7 a.m. weigh-ins.
The trip home often doesn’t end until after 9 p.m., sometimes as late as midnight.
It takes a great deal of community support to keep these successful campaigns going. This includes BUHS Wrestling Booster Club members and local fans who attend match or buy a T-shirt to support the team.
Parents of these elite athletes are also part of this effort, from purchasing their wrestling equipment to driving them to practices or waking up early in the morning for tournaments or cooking that piece of fish or chicken.
These championships are not only wins for the athletes, coaches and the school, but also for the community of Brawley.
No one does it alone. Thanks also go out to the BUHS athletic director as well as the volunteer coaches and volunteers who participate in the feeder programs such as the Brawley Gladiators. This is where children learn the basics and the love of wrestling as well as the important concept known as sportsmanship.
Dynasties are extremely difficult to continue and have to be maintained. Everyone is always targeting you to knock you off the top. That is why it is particularly impressive that BUHS wrestling has maintained 18 consecutive CIF San Diego Section Division III Titles.
Each year it is a massive undertaking and accomplishment. It should be recognized that 13 BUHS Wildcat wrestlers placed and earned the right to participate in CIF San Diego Section Masters representing BUHS and the community of Brawley. It should also be noted that five BUHS Wildcat wrestlers placed and participated in the 2018 CIF State Championships held in Bakersfield.
Because it has been 18 consecutive CIF San Diego Section Division III Titles, it seems like we have become almost complacent with it. Eighteen consecutive championship seasons should be celebrated yearly when considering that the teams in the Imperial Valley are going up against San Diego County and its overwhelming resources!
Brawley is a small community when compared to any of the communities in San Diego County, and this means the tax base in our community is a mere fraction of that in San Diego, which makes these accomplishments even more impressive.
The moral of the story is that hard work, dedication, and motivation, along with guidance and mentorship, can help you overcome disadvantages in population size and material resources.
To all those valley teams who have made it farther than their previous generations, I say congratulations. To these Brawley High School wrestlers who have made it an annual tradition, I salute you and commend you for all your hard work, dedication and continued excellence.
To all the Brawley senior wrestlers who will be moving on in life and will face new challenges, you always will be able to lay claim to being part of Brawley sports history and will be able to relish the memory that you were part of the 18th consecutive division title.