Coming off of a historic season, Orange Lutheran's wrestling program is back on the mat and ready to build on its momentum.
Last season was one for the record books as junior Sophia Garcia captured the 2025 CIF title, the first for the program since 2008. Garcia became just the third Lancer in OLu history to be crowned a CIF champion, and the first female to ever achieve the honor. Garcia went on to represent the Lancers at the 2025 CIF State Meet. On the boys side, Jordan Duszynski qualified for the 2025 CIF Master's Tournament in just his sophomore year.
The Lancers are fielding more than 40 wrestlers across the boys and girls programs, with the boys team set to compete with a full lineup in every weight class. The boys squad has already shown encouraging signs with some key preseason wins over CIF championship teams.
In addition to Duszynski, the boys team will be led by seniors Dustin Han and Joshua Sim, along with junior Kaizen Stirdivant. Sim is on track to become a three-time CIF placer, and OLu wrestling head coach Heber Castillo anticipates standout seasons from both Han and Stirdivant.
"We're competitive," says Castillo of the boys team. "They really have put in the work. If we could get into CIF duals on the boys side, I believe we could win…We just need to get in. That's going to be the test."
Competing alongside Garcia on the girls squad is senior Jennifer Flores, who is set to become the first Lancer wrestler to place at CIF all four years. They are joined by senior Cali Milstien, who has shown significant improvement in just her second year in the sport, and freshman Alexis Smith, who enjoyed a strong summer season and is eager to make her mark in the program.
"We're getting there, we're growing and I'm proud of them," says Castillo of the girls team. "They've been very consistent and really bought into the process."
With a larger roster this year, Castillo is encouraged not only by the team's growing skill level but also by the unity and accountability developing within the group.
"With the way that they are loving on each other and supporting each other, it's the most beautiful thing to watch," says Castillo. "That builds so much camaraderie and strength for the season."
OLu's boys team has a strong chance to improve upon their third place Trinity League finish from last season, and a number of wrestlers on both the boys and girls teams are ready to make significant strides. Castillo said that more than any accolade, what he looks forward to most with this group is seeing the Lancer wrestlers create memories that will last a lifetime.
"At the end of the day, I'm hoping that they leave our beautiful campus and school and get to share their experiences with other people," says Castillo, and that they share how much fun they have being on the wrestling team."
