West Covina Wrestling's 2025 Season: A New Era of Commitment, Grit, and Growth
For the West Covina High School Wrestling team, the 2025 winter season was not just about grappling with opponents—it was about wrestling with expectations, redefining the culture, and rising as a new generation of committed athletes. Under the guidance of Co-Head Coach Michael Morales, the team took a meaningful leap forward, showing not only individual promise but also a collective dedication that promises even brighter seasons ahead.
From the leadership of veteran wrestlers to the emergence of determined newcomers, this year's program showcased resilience, growth, and a renewed sense of direction. According to Coach Morales, the team "was better than previous years," and the signs of long-term progress are everywhere—from offseason work ethic to postseason accolades.
Leaders on the Mat and in the Room
Key contributors this season were more than just point scorers—they were the heartbeat of the team, driving the squad forward with both action and attitude.
At the top of the list is Melissa Acosta, a junior competing at 110 pounds. Described as the team’s leader, Melissa made sure practices ran smoothly and that her teammates showed up ready. Her consistency and discipline set the tone for the entire room.
Another standout was Aaron Contreras, a junior wrestling at 106 pounds, who took it upon himself to mentor the newer athletes, guiding them through technical development and helping instill confidence and fundamental skills.
Then there’s sophomore Julie Cimarusti at 140 pounds. Known for her high motor and infectious personality, Julie helped to raise the energy level of the team and inspired others to push their limits. Her emotional intensity and work ethic helped shape a competitive and supportive team environment.
A Season of Milestones
From a numbers standpoint, this season was a clear success. "We were able to maintain higher numbers on the team," Coach Morales said—an indicator that the program is becoming more sustainable and more attractive to student-athletes.
The girls’ team had a breakout year, with a Masters CIF finalist, a Masters champion, and a state qualifier who finished in the top 16 in California—no small feat in one of the most competitive wrestling states in the country.
The boys’ squad, while younger and still developing, still managed to end the season with two CIF placers, a major sign of progress considering the team’s youthful core.
Preseason Commitment Sets the Tone
One of the defining characteristics of this team was its willingness to buy in early—and stay bought in. Coach Morales pointed to both the preseason and postseason periods as major turning points.
“We had a high number of kids start working out before season,” he said, “and they’re still continuing to show up to improve.” That year-round mindset—often the difference between a good program and a great one—is now deeply embedded in the West Covina wrestling culture.
This is particularly evident in athletes like Joseph Castillo, a junior and first-year wrestler. Castillo changed his diet, trained diligently, and filled a key team need by competing at 138 pounds. His adaptability and coachability serve as a model for how new athletes can make a real impact in a short amount of time.
Then there’s junior Josiah, who overcame a rocky start to the season by working relentlessly, eventually earning his way to a CIF podium finish. His comeback story exemplifies the team’s resilience and the transformative power of perseverance.
Adversity Builds Character
No season is without challenges, and for West Covina, there were moments when the team didn’t perform at its best. But what matters more than the losses is how the athletes responded.
“We had some tough losses,” Morales said, “but the kids were always there the next day to continue to improve.” That kind of bounce-back mentality is exactly what coaches dream of instilling in their athletes—it’s also the foundation for future championships.
While Coach Morales didn’t single out the senior class as a collective influence, he emphasized that the team culture this year shifted in a positive direction, thanks in large part to the examples set by leaders like Acosta and Contreras, and the energy provided by younger athletes like Cimarusti.
A Future Built on Youth and Year-Round Work
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 season is that this team is just getting started. With most contributors returning, Coach Morales is enthusiastic about what's ahead.
“The youngness of our team, their commitment to off-season practice and tournaments, and the potential for even more growth in numbers,” he said, is what excites him the most. The foundation has been laid, and now it's about building on it with increased technical skill, mental toughness, and physical development.
That’s why this offseason, the focus will be on raising Wrestling IQ, improving agility, and enhancing mental and physical resilience. These goals are aligned with what Coach Morales sees as the next big step for the program: elevating from competitive to elite.
Looking Ahead: Sharpening the Edges
The coaching staff also plans to expand how they track and publicize the team’s progress. “Next year, we will utilize MaxPreps for roster and dual meet information,” Morales shared, a move that should give athletes greater exposure and help the team connect more deeply with the community.
For those interested in more detailed stats from the past season, Coach Morales recommends checking Track Wrestling, or reaching out directly to the West Covina wrestling staff.
Final Thoughts: A New Identity in the Making
The 2025 wrestling season at West Covina High School was a season of growth, grit, and groundwork. It was about laying the tracks for long-term success while achieving important milestones in the present.
Whether it was a state appearance, a CIF medal, or just a newcomer learning to sprawl for the first time, this year’s team proved that hard work, trust, and commitment can redefine a program. And with a room full of dedicated athletes who are already back on the mats for offseason training, the future looks more promising than ever.
Coach Morales and the Bulldogs are not just hoping to make history—they’re planning to wrestle it into reality.
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