Lodi High School Wrestling Season Preview

The 2024-25 wrestling season at Lodi High School was a strong showing for a young team that saw considerable growth and success. With a handful of standout performances and a future filled with potential, the team looks ahead to even greater things next year. Key Contributors Ethan Warmerdam (Junior): A standout wrestler who became the team's anchor. Ethan was a League Champion, finished 3rd at Divisionals, and earned a spot at the Masters Tournament three times, showcasing his consistency and skill. Joaquin Yepez (Sophomore): A League Champion who recorded an impressive 21 pins and qualified for the Masters Tournament twice, earning recognition as a rising star. Brody Silveira (Senior): The team’s heart and soul, Brody not only won the League Championship but also qualified for the Masters Tournament while giving up a 10-pound weight allowance to his opponents, showcasing true grit and determination. Nathan Warmerdam (Freshman): A standout freshman, Nathan earned League Runner-Up and qualified for the Masters Tournament, setting the stage for a promising future in the sport. Season Overview Coach Yip reflects on the season as "better than last year" despite some setbacks. The team finished 3rd in league competition, up from 5th last year, and narrowly missed out on the top spot by just two points to West High, the league champions. Six wrestlers qualified for the Masters Tournament, marking an impressive feat for a young team. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined two key wrestlers, which impacted their postseason performance. Defining Moments The league tournament proved to be a turning point, as the team was just half a point away from first place, an incredibly close margin that demonstrated the team’s fight and resilience. Player Development Brody Silveira emerged as a leader, securing the League Championship and qualifying for the Masters while wrestling above his weight class. His dedication and performance exemplified the growth of the team, especially among the senior class. Overcoming Adversity Despite key injuries to some of the team’s top wrestlers, the team remained united and focused. Coach Yip was particularly proud of how the team stuck together despite setbacks and gave it their throughout the season. Senior Class Impact The senior class brought leadership, energy, and performance to the program. Their dedication and performance throughout the season played a vital role in the team’s success and in setting an example for younger wrestlers. Looking Ahead The future looks bright for Lodi Wrestling, as there is great potential in the sophomores and juniors returning next season. Coach Yip is optimistic about their chances, particularly with the team’s continued growth and development. The goal is to be in contention for the TCAL league championship next season. Offseason Focus The team will be focusing on skill-building and getting as much experience as possible for first and second-year wrestlers. This is crucial to continuing the program’s development and success moving forward. Where to Find Stats Stay up to date on team stats and results via MaxPreps.