San Fernando High School Girls Wrestling Season Preview

It’s that time of year again – the season opener for the San Fernando High School wrestling team is just around the corner. With training and conditioning in full swing, the team is gearing up for a successful season. We had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Lorenzo Chapman to get a preview of what’s in store for the team this year. The San Fernando High School wrestling team had a strong showing last season, and Coach Chapman is excited about the potential of this year’s team. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Chapman emphasized that their goal this year is to build a solid foundation for the future. With a roster made up largely of underclassmen, Chapman believes that the team has the potential to be one of the top teams in the nation in the next few years. Staying consistent is the key to their success. Despite losing all of their CIF champions, Coach Chapman is confident that some of the underclassmen will step up and make an immediate impact on the team. He described the upcoming players as “young and hungry”, ready to fill the spots left by their graduated teammates. When selecting team captains, Coach Chapman looks for qualities such as leadership and drive on and off the mat. This season, Crystal Benevdez has been named captain. Benevdez is a Greco state champion and freestyle state runner-up, proving her dedication and skill in the sport. However, Chapman also noted that the entire team is made up of young leaders, and any player has the potential to be a captain. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for success in any sport, and Coach Chapman emphasized the importance of these qualities for the San Fernando High School wrestling team. He explained that they preach leadership across the board and have a team of young leaders who are already bonded through their shared experiences in the sport. Motivation is key in pushing athletes to reach their full potential, and Coach Chapman knows this starts with creating a supportive community within the team. The coaching staff, parents, and community all play a role in motivating the players to work hard and strive for greatness, both on and off the mat. As for the challenges in preparing for this season, Coach Chapman mentions the responsibility of setting a good example for his team in his everyday life. He believes this is crucial as it starts from the top. Additionally, he notes the importance of working on the team’s mental strength, just as much as their physical and technical skills.