Tokay, Lodi wrestling place on academic teams

Members of the Tokay and Lodi High wrestling teams — boys and girls — got the job done on the mat this past season.

Most importantly, the Tigers took care of business in the classrooms.

Recently, the Sac-Joaquin Section released its academic team champions for winter sports in wrestling — boys and girls — as well as boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls soccer. In girls wrestling, Tokay was ranked No. 1 among 192 schools with an average grade point average of 3.2, and Lodi second at 3.1.

“Academics is so important for the girls,” said Lodi girls wrestling coach Brian Silva. “The girls have after school tutoring. They also help each other out. I’ve never had to worry once about the girls and their grades.”

Silva said sophomore Hannah Wooldridge had the high GPA, well over 4.0, and Elizabeth Decco, whose GPA is close to 4.0.

“She’s outstanding in the classroom,” said Silva of Wooldridge.

The Tokay High boys wrestling team ranked third with an average GPA of 3.2. Taking down first place was Jesuit of Carmichael at 3.4 and Oakmont of Roseville second at 3.3.

“I’m impressed,” said Tokay coach Ed Carlos when he

learned about his Tigers’ accomplishments. “We’ve always said the student comes first and being an athlete second. (Their) job is to make grades.”

Carlos said most of his wrestlers did their homework after school this past winter. For next winter, he plans for his wrestlers have a study hall.

“It’s great that they are recognizing the academic part,” said Carlos of the section’s announcement.

Tokay wrestlers who had high GPAs were Cameron Senner, a senior who wrestled at 182 pounds, at 4.3 and Matthew Cooper, who competed at the CIF State Wrestling Championships at 195 earlier this month, at 3.8.

Both Tokay wrestling teams won the Tri-City Athletic League championships this winter.