With the wrestling season getting its start this weekend, Orange Lutheran's team is ready to hit the mat and make their mark with a mix of talent and determination.
 
The Lancers are returning three CIF placers from last season, including juniors Jennifer Flores and Joshua Sim, as well as sophomore Sophia Garcia. Both Sim and Flores are on track to be three-time CIF placers, which would be a first for the program, and Flores is currently ranked 14^th in the state.
 
The three returners, along with senior Tyler Stone, will be providing leadership to the young group. This year's roster is mostly sophomores, but OLu wrestling head coach Heber Castillo is looking forward to seeing how they develop their skills and gain experience throughout the season.
 
"The sophomores did so much over the off-season, putting in the work," says Castillo. "I think they will do well this year."
 
Some new faces who are looking to have breakout seasons include junior Justin Steele and sophomores Jordan Duszynski and Kaizen Stirdivant.
 
"With those three, their work ethic is what's going to help them do super well," says Castillo.
 
For the first time in program history, the boys team will field a full 14-wrestler lineup, which will allow the Lancers to compete in dual tournaments, something Castillo is looking forward to.
 
"It's going to help us a tremendous amount because even though wrestling's an individual sport, the team component is huge," says Castillo. "They're all going through it together."
 
On the girls side, the OLu's team is ranked 10^th in Orange County and will be taking on one of the toughest competition schedules in the state. Along with Flores and Garcia, the team is joined by junior Mikayla Milstien, and after seeing success last year, the girls will be looking to advance well into the postseason.
 
The schedule begins on Saturday, November 23, as OLu hosts the Lancer Challenge at the Ellwein Center. League duals are set to start on January 14 at St. John Bosco.
 
With nearly 40 wrestlers in the program this year, Coach Castillo is eager to see how their dedication and hard work will lead to success.
 
"I'm excited to see their progress over the last year," says Castillo. "I'm [looking forward] to watching them show how good they've become because I know what it does for them – their confidence just goes through the roof…They're going to pick up wins against people that they should not be beating on paper, and that's what I'm excited for…For them to compete is a privilege, and I know that they're excited for it too.