Stanton College Prep Wrestling 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Year of Growth, Grit, and Historic Triumphs
The 2025 winter wrestling season at Stanton College Prep marked a significant milestone for the program. Under the guidance of Head Coach John Dunn, the team demonstrated not only individual talent but also collective resilience and camaraderie. For the first time in the school’s history, the wrestling squad brought home multiple team trophies—an achievement reflecting hard work, growth, and a bright future.
We sat down with Coach Dunn for a detailed recap of the season, highlighting the key contributors, memorable moments, and the team’s outlook for the coming year.
Key Contributors: Leaders, Teachers, and Work Ethic Exemplars
Coach Dunn praised several athletes who were instrumental in driving the team’s success and setting a positive example:
Mackenzie Mock: The sole senior on the team and a pivotal leader, Mackenzie helped keep the girls’ squad unified and well-informed throughout the season. Her experience and leadership set a tone of maturity and focus for the younger wrestlers.
Leonardo and Diego Torres: These brothers stood out as the workhorses of practice sessions. They took on critical roles demonstrating wrestling techniques, showing tireless work ethic, and serving as a standard for the rest of the team to emulate.
James Leiby: Known for his organizational skills and sportsmanship, James played a dual role. He helped teach moves to teammates and kept the team organized during meets. His leadership extended beyond his wrestling ability.
Adrian Deleston and Branon Spurlin: Both athletes contributed greatly in coaching roles during practice, helping refine techniques, and supporting team logistics at tournaments. Their work ethic was cited as exemplary.
Together, these key contributors formed a backbone of leadership, mentorship, and effort that drove Stanton’s remarkable progress throughout the season.
A Season to Remember: Highlights and Historic Achievements
Coach Dunn described the 2025 season as “great,” punctuated by significant accomplishments:
Diego Torres emerged as a Conference Champion, showcasing dominance in his weight class.
Leonardo Torres earned the title of District Champion and placed at the State level, underscoring his growth and competitiveness on the big stage.
James Leiby also captured a District Championship, adding to the individual accolades that bolstered team morale.
Beyond these personal victories, the team reached a landmark achievement by winning three team trophies, a historic first for Stanton College Prep wrestling. These trophies symbolize the program’s rising stature and the cumulative effort of every athlete and coach involved.
Defining Moments: Realizing Readiness and Rising Confidence
One of the pivotal points in the season came during the Harmony Tournament just before Christmas. According to Coach Dunn, this event was a turning point where the team truly recognized how well-prepared they were. Week after week, the team’s improvement was visible, but this tournament solidified their belief in their abilities.
“It was the moment when they saw the fruits of their hard work,” Dunn reflected. This newfound confidence helped propel them through the latter half of the season with momentum and determination.
Growth and Development: New Roles and Rising Stars
A hallmark of the 2025 season was how several wrestlers stepped up into bigger roles as the year progressed. While Coach Dunn didn’t single out specific names beyond the key contributors, he noted that multiple team members improved technically and mentally, contributing more in practices and competitions.
This continuous development is crucial for a program like Stanton’s, which is building toward sustained success by developing depth and versatility within the roster.
Overcoming Challenges: Strength in Unity
Wrestling, by nature, is a demanding sport both physically and mentally. Injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations are par for the course. Yet, Coach Dunn’s team showed remarkable resilience.
“When faced with challenges, they rallied around each other like a family,” he said. This close-knit team culture was a vital ingredient in their ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing forward.
Leadership Beyond Seniority: The Juniors’ Influence
Interestingly, Stanton’s wrestling team had only one senior this season, meaning the traditional senior leadership role was somewhat different. Coach Dunn explained that the juniors became the main influencers, stepping up to provide guidance and energy.
Mackenzie Mock, the lone senior, contributed significantly to the girls’ side, but overall, leadership came from multiple voices across the team. This shared responsibility created a collaborative and supportive environment conducive to growth and success.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Historic Foundation
Perhaps the most exciting news is the outlook for the 2026 season. Coach Dunn expressed enthusiasm about having almost the entire roster returning next year, which means the team can build on the progress and success from 2025.
“This is truly exciting,” he said. “We just keep making history at Stanton.”
With a solid core of wrestlers gaining experience and confidence, the program looks poised to continue its upward trajectory, perhaps aiming for even higher honors and more team trophies.
Offseason Focus: Strengthening the Foundation
Coach Dunn highlighted the team’s offseason priorities, with a particular emphasis on spending more time in the weight room.
“Physical strength and conditioning are vital for wrestling,” he noted. By dedicating more effort to strength training, the team hopes to improve endurance, power, and injury prevention, all of which are critical for a competitive season.
Beyond physical training, the team will likely continue working on technical skills, mental toughness, and team chemistry—elements that contributed to their historic season.
Where to Follow Stanton Wrestling
Fans and supporters can track Stanton College Prep wrestling stats and meet results on Trackwrestling, a popular platform for high school and collegiate wrestling coverage.
This transparency and accessibility allow the community to follow the team’s progress throughout the season and celebrate their achievements.
Conclusion: A Season Marked by Firsts and Foundations for the Future
The 2025 wrestling season at Stanton College Prep will be remembered as a year of firsts—first team trophies, first conference and district champions—and a testament to the hard work, leadership, and unity of a young but determined group.
Coach John Dunn’s team grew week by week, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that promises even greater things ahead. With key contributors leading the way, a supportive and family-like team culture, and nearly all athletes returning next season, Stanton wrestling is on an exciting path.
The journey from underdog to trophy winners is never easy, but for Stanton College Prep, the winter of 2025 was a shining chapter in an inspiring story — one of perseverance, teamwork, and building a lasting legacy.
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