San Juan Hills High School Wrestling Season Preview

As the 2021-2022 season approaches, all eyes are on the San Juan Hills High School wrestling team. After a strong showing last year, expectations are high for this talented group of individuals. We had a chance to sit down with Coach Matthew Alfonte to get a preview of what we can expect from the team this year. One of the biggest strengths of the team this year comes from the top returning players from last season. Coach Alfonte spoke highly of their abilities, saying, "All of our returning players bring something special to the team. They have a great work ethic, a positive attitude, and a desire to constantly improve. These qualities make them stand out and lead by example for the rest of the team." But the team is not just relying on their returning players. Coach Alfonte also has high hopes for the new players joining the team this year. He believes that all of them will make an immediate impact and contribute to the team's success. "Each one of them brings something unique to the table and I have no doubt they will make a positive impact on the team," said Coach Alfonte. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Alfonte looks for qualities such as leadership and the ability to command respect through actions rather than words. He also mentioned that the team is still in the process of deciding on team captains, with all players having the potential to take on a leadership role except for Chase. Building team chemistry and camaraderie is a top priority for Coach Alfonte this season. He believes that it is crucial for the team's success and is currently working on implementing strategies to achieve this goal. "We want our players to have the ability to lead, command respect, and work together as a team," Coach Alfonte shared. Motivating his players to push themselves to their full potential is another important aspect for Coach Alfonte. He believes in the power of positive reinforcement and sitting down to talk about each other's feelings. He also credits team member Sherlyn for being responsible for creating a positive and motivated atmosphere within the team. The biggest challenge for the team this season has been making it clear that the only expectations Coach Alfonte has for his players are for them to try their best and have a good attitude while doing so. He believes that it is important for his players to focus on what they can control and be grateful for the opportunity to compete and improve.