Walnut, Calif. – As the Mt. SAC Men's Wrestling Team hits the mat for a new season, the expectations couldn't be higher - and Head Coach David Rivera is up for the challenge.
"We're coming off state titles in both the team and individual state championships," Rivera said. "It's a lot of pressure to repeat those results, but it is possible. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead and to hopefully making history." For the Mounties, that history would be winning a third consecutive state championship – something that has never been done before in Mt. SAC Wrestling history.
Rivera is confident in the balance of this year's squad, which features a healthy mix of returners and newcomers. "We have a lot of new guys this year and they're ready to step up. But we also have a lot of returners who have state championship experience," he said. "We have a balanced team, and we will be really good."
As for team strengths, Rivera believes their competitiveness will power them through the season. "We're ready to compete against whatever is in front of us," he said. "We are up for any challenges that come our way, and we have a very competitive mindset."
The Mounties have been putting in the work to prepare for the grind of the season. "Wrestling, weight training and repetition," Rivera said of the team's training regimen. His coaching philosophy revolves around mastering fundaments and developing a deep understanding of the technique involved. "Just break it down into small sections – first part, middle part, last part. So they have to really think about what they're doing and how they can get the best possible results."
Maintaining a high level of performance year after year requires consistency and personal growth from the top down. "I'm very competitive, myself," Rivera expressed. "I try to outdo myself every year. Try to figure out how I can make myself better and reach for the sky. Why not?"
While many coaches might size up their rivals, Rivera takes a different approach. "Ourselves, always ourselves," he said when asked about the team's biggest competition. "We can only control ourselves. We don't control other teams or what they have. We control our time and our effort. I don't have time to worry about the competition. I just have to worry about us being healthy, eligible and in a competitive mindset."
That mindset is instilled daily. "I challenge them every day. Make everything we do a challenge—from warm-ups to stretching," Rivera said. "Turning everything into a competition makes them competitors."
As far as standout weight classes, Rivera remains cautiously optimistic. "We have several. But you never know. We've had years where we thought we were strong but other teams came in and showcased their strength and have good recruits as well."
Still, he's excited about several top returners: Rylan Madrid (125/133), Jason Saenz (133), Michael Williams (149/157), Maxximus Martinez (157), Roman Loya (174), and heavyweight Dib Sawaya (285), who placed third two years ago and returns after a year off. "We have high expectations for him this year, but we have some new freshmen who are right there with him."
Ultimately, Rivera knows what his role is: "My job is to bring the best to each competition, their job is to prove that they are the best and the ones to compete in each weight class."
With history on the line and a motivated squad at his side, Coach Rivera and Mt. SAC wrestling are ready to rise to the occasion once again.
The Mounties will kick off their season at home with the Mt. SAC Duals on Saturday, September 20. Don't miss your chance to come out and support the team!
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.