Mustangs join select group of district athletes to have placed in state tournament

  Each year thousands of student athletes take to the wrestling mats in California high schools. After a long physically and emotionally strenuous season, a select few qualify to represent their schools at their county championship tournaments. Even fewer still qualify to represent their counties at the state championship. This year, Otay Ranch High wrestlers – Senior Eddie Estevez and Sophomore Tommy Espinoza – became only two of 10 wrestlers in Sweetwater District history to place in the top eight in the State of California.

   Estevez placed third in 112 pound weight class and Espinoza placed seventh in the 103 pound weight class. Additionally, they became only the second duo from the same district school to place at the state finals since 1982.

   Head coach Troy Vierra, a Hilltop High graduate and longtime coach, credits all the hard work and focus on instruction that the wrestlers had throughout the season.

   “It just takes patience,” said Vierra. “My focus has always been on instruction, and that I am here to build a program.”

   Estevez made it to the state tournament in 2010, but did not place. He felt inspired to make it to the tournament again and prove his skills.

   “Doing well inspired us to do more,” said Estevez. “So much positive came from the experience and I knew I was capable of more.”

   Espinoza was inspired by his teammate and despite an injury in 2010, began to train with Estevez with the hope that they would both make it to state in 2011.

   “Making it to state was a personal road of redemption,” said Espinoza. “I had a lot to prove and really stepped up my off-season workouts.”

   Both wrestlers were also motivated because Vierra announced to his team that this was his last year coaching after 20 years.

   “Finishing like this was incredible,” said Vierra. “I feel very good about what I am leaving behind.”

   With only four graduating seniors (including Estevez) out of 35 on the team, Otay Ranch wrestling program hopes to maintain a high level of competition in the years to come. “The entire community should be proud of these young men,” said School Board President John McCann. “In such a difficult sport, the success of these student athletes is truly exceptional.”