St. Cloud High Wrestling: Growth, Grit, and a Bright Future Ahead
The 2025 winter wrestling season for St. Cloud High School was a year marked by growth, resilience, and promising development. Head Coach Eric Scrivens reflects on a season that challenged his wrestlers both physically and mentally while laying a foundation for the program’s future success.
A Season of Growth and Development
According to Coach Scrivens, the season was “one of growth” for the entire team. “We had quite a bit of growing up to do on the mat, and I think we did that,” he remarked, highlighting the progress made across the roster. This maturation was evident not only in individual performances but also in the team’s collective confidence and competitive edge.
One of the season’s highlights was placing in a team tournament—a significant accomplishment that showed St. Cloud’s rising potential. Additionally, the program sent two wrestlers to the prestigious state tournament, a testament to the talent and hard work within the squad.
Coach Scrivens also expressed excitement over the expansion of the girls’ wrestling team, which “doubled in numbers” this season. This growth reflects a broader trend in wrestling and represents a key area for future program development.
Key Contributors: Leaders and Emerging Talent
This season featured many key contributors who impacted the team’s success. Among them were Andrew Colantonio, Yompol Santiago, Luc Beaulieu, Carter Rivera, Nico Restrepo, Eann Mesa, and Jacob DelaRosa.
While each athlete brought unique skills and dedication to the mat, Coach Scrivens singled out Yompol Santiago and Jacob DelaRosa for their remarkable growth. “Those two showed tremendous gains from where they both were last season,” he said. On the girls’ side, Alexandra Karandanreas made “huge strides,” signaling strong potential as the team continues to grow.
The senior class played a pivotal role in leading the team through the season’s challenges. Coach Scrivens praised seniors such as Luc Beaulieu, Andrew Colantonio, Nico Restrepo, Yompol Santiago, and Eann Mesa for their leadership and energy. “Our seniors were an incalculable asset to this program and mentors to the younger athletes,” he said.
Defining Moments: Setting the Tone for the Season
Coach Scrivens believes every tournament is a defining moment, provided it’s approached with the right mindset. Early in the season, the Barbara Pill tournament showcased the team’s explosiveness and competitive spirit, serving as a confidence booster.
“We saw that we can most definitely compete in the Orange Belt Conference,” Coach Scrivens explained. With some refinement, he believes St. Cloud is well-positioned to become a contender in the conference. Throughout the season, the team’s growing confidence and willingness to develop were key themes, reflecting the hard work put in by athletes and coaches alike.
Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Resilience
Like many sports teams, St. Cloud faced its share of adversity, particularly in the form of injuries. Perhaps the most challenging was losing Greyson Puleio, a promising young wrestler, to a severe neck injury. Additionally, senior captain Andrew Colantonio suffered multiple injuries that sidelined him for parts of the season.
Despite these setbacks, Coach Scrivens emphasized the resilience displayed by the team and the individuals affected. “The team, and those individuals, persevered through and developed a resiliency that truly is one of the foundations of the team we strive to be,” he said.
This ability to face hardship with grit and determination speaks volumes about the character of the wrestlers and the culture cultivated within the St. Cloud program.
The Senior Class: Leadership and Determination
The senior class’s leadership was essential to the team’s identity this season. Coach Scrivens detailed how seniors brought energy and tenacity to every practice and match.
Luc Beaulieu’s dedication, especially in managing tough weight cuts, demonstrated discipline and commitment. Andrew Colantonio’s resilience in the face of injuries inspired teammates to persevere. Nico Restrepo’s hard work and consistent effort set a strong example, while Yompol Santiago’s spirit and grit helped galvanize the squad. Eann Mesa’s confidence and willingness to “swing for the fences” energized the team’s competitive spirit.
“These seniors set the example for what it means to be a St. Cloud wrestler,” said Coach Scrivens. Their influence will be felt long after they graduate.
Looking to the Future: Youth, Hunger, and High Expectations
Coach Scrivens is particularly excited about the future because of the team’s youth and hunger to improve. “What excites me most is that we are young and hungry,” he said. “I think they want to be pushed harder and the bar to be held higher.”
This ambition and drive to reach the upper echelon of wrestling will require serious hard work, but the team appears ready to embrace the challenge. With a solid foundation laid this season and strong leadership among returning athletes, the program’s trajectory is promising.
Offseason Goals: Strength, Technique, and Mental Toughness
Offseason training will focus on key areas Coach Scrivens identified: strength, toughness, wrestling knowledge, and technical superiority.
“We want to build strength and toughness,” he said, “but also emphasize technical skills and mental focus.” The goal is to create well-rounded wrestlers who can handle the physical and strategic demands of the sport at a high level.
This comprehensive approach will help the team refine their skills and prepare for the rigors of the upcoming season.
Where to Follow St. Cloud Wrestling
Fans and supporters can track the team’s progress and individual performances through Track Wrestling, although Coach Scrivens noted that the records available are not yet complete.
Conclusion
The 2025 winter wrestling season was a pivotal year for St. Cloud High School. Through growth, leadership, resilience, and a collective team effort, the wrestlers demonstrated significant progress on and off the mat. While challenges tested their resolve, the team’s determination to improve and compete at higher levels bodes well for the future.
Coach Eric Scrivens’ vision for a program built on toughness, technical skill, and mental focus is taking root. With a motivated, young roster and strong senior leadership setting the example, St. Cloud wrestling is on an exciting path forward.
The coming offseason will be crucial as the team works to develop the strength and skills needed to take the next step. For those following the program, the journey promises to be one worth watching as the wrestlers aim to reach new heights.
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