STOCKTON, Calif.— The Orestimba wrestling team competed in the Venture Academy wrestling meet on Wednesday, losing both of their bouts, 45-33 vs. Waterford and 59-24 vs. Venture Academy. 

“We had a few matches that we were winning, and we ended up back in and getting the pin. It kind of threw us off,” said coach Sergio Mar.

The growing popularity of the Warrior wrestling team has been able to give athletes the opportunity to play in multiple sports. Nicolas Cuevas, during his freshman year, gave wrestling a chance. Now during his junior year, he has been able to prove that he can compete both on the football field and on the mat.

“He’s just a natural athlete,” coach Mar noted. “He did really well on the football field this year on varsity and it’s those little things that we’ve seen with the kids.” 

Like many other athletes, they play other sports only to sit on the sideline. And wrestling gives Orestimba Warriors their opportunity to “shine.”

“It’s building relationships with them, more than just coaches, kind of us coaches as mentors, we’re here for them,” coach Mar commented.

Orestimba is the only school, between Newman and Gustine High, to offer a wrestling program. Coach Mar is now nearing his 10th year coaching for the Warriors. Previously being involved with the Newman Youth Wrestling program since 2009.

“I did come out to the school and one of the lunches and I was just on campus, and I was at my little desk out there, trying to get some guys who were interested in wrestling,” said coach Mar.

With the combination of Mar’s advocation for the sport and athletes seeing the benefits of the sport, the team has been able to retain a full team through the 2023-2024 season. A marginal gain for the Warriors wrestling team.

The Warrior’s wrestling team is set to compete in a match at Big Valley, at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.