Wrestling team shows promise in pre-season

Samo’s co-ed wrestling team is back and ready to prove themselves once again. The season ended strongly last year, with Arata Sakamoto (’26), Fred Ekberg (’25), and Kenji Ineno (’25) all qualifying for the CIF Masters Meet. The team’s commitment was evident in their early fall and summer training, with intense practices to build strength and cohesion. 

So far, the team, led by Coach Jason Mun, has had a number of successful matches, recently winning a dual-meet against North Torrance and led by team captains Juan Guerra (’26), Arata Sakamoto (’26), Daniel Diaz-Bentacour (’26) and Gavin Britt (’26). 

Although Samo ultimately lost in league finals, they won dual-meets against schools like Redondo and Mira Costa. With significant individual performance, the girls had two league champions and two second place finishers. 

The wrestling team has a positive mindset on the season moving forward, staying focused and continuing to be diligent being two significant goals for the team. Maya Guerra (28’) is optimistic for the upcoming season.

“I think our mindset is good, we have a lot of people who want to go to state… and overall get better,” Guerra said. 

This year, Coach Mun wants the team to prioritize a more balanced approach, emphasizing building stamina and injury prevention. 

“So far, we’re staying healthy and everyone’s having fun, I think we’re in a good place going into winter break.”   

Guerra describes this emphasis the team has put on health this season. 

“Physically and mentally, we’re actually doing really well right now. We’ve moved away from losing a bunch of weight, and we have guys who are wrestling within their natural weight,” Guerra says. 

Wrestling is searching for improvement in this season. Compared to last season, they are looking to go further within the league and win CIF.