As the fall season ends and winter sports begin to kick off, Sierra Vista High School’s Wrestling team pushes the program forward. Not only entering the 5A division, but also having two back-to-back state championships under their belt. For Head Coach Terry, the priority this year focuses not just on winning, but on developing each athlete to their highest ability. Best explained by head Coach Terry, “Development. We’re focused a lot on developing our entire program. We’re super young; we only have eight seniors total with the boys and the girls. We are just working on developing everybody.”
The emphasis on growth has always been important to Vista, especially when Coach Terry first began as head coach. The team looked completely different before Coach Terry. “There were thirteen kids and one girl on the team, and only one person qualified for state. Two years later, we won our first title and had our first girl state champion, and then the following year we won back-to-back state championships.” For him, the transformation speaks for itself.
Now, as Vista Wrestling enters the tougher 5A division, with the team already proving they can compete, Vista earned 2nd place at their first 5A Chargers dual. A promising sign as they adjust to the higher level of competition and a strong impression on other schools that Vista is not one to be underestimated. This season, the team plans on strengthening its team unity throughout the many out-of-state trips it plans on taking. As explained by Coach Terry, “We’re traveling three times, Arizona, Utah, and California. It’s always fun when we go out of town… really good team bonding. We always have a really good time.”
Senior and team captain LT (Lithila) says this year’s team strives not only for wins, but for shared experiences. “I feel like our team is truly blessed to be able to compete at a higher level and prove something new after winning state twice in 4A. I’m not expecting trophies or anything, but memories… memories that we can share as a team that we’ve never experienced before.”
LT and many other wrestlers are most excited for the home duals in 5A. As said by LT, “Going into 5A, there’s going to be higher level wrestling and closer matches, which will create amazing moments and experiences that’ll be a forever memory.”
Some other outstanding athletes include Taylor Rodgers (12), Kanae Madolora (12), Kylie Zane (10), Kekoa Matthews-Mafua, state finalist Kapono Starwood (11), Logan Ferreira (10), and LT (12). Their leadership and importance with the team will be crucial as Vista adjusts to tougher competition and continues building toward long-term success.
From early mornings to late nights, Vista wrestling prepares for a season fueled by development, determination, and the memories made along the way. Whether the team brings home more titles or not, the Lions believe this season will have experiences worth remembering.
