Three students from our school recently competed in the CIF State Wrestling Championships, one of the toughest high school wrestling tournaments in California and the nation. Qualifying for state is already a big achievement, and these wrestlers showed dedication, discipline, and hard work throughout the entire season to get there.
Senior Angelina Borelli had an incredible performance, finishing 2nd place in the state and ending the tournament ranked #2 in the state and #2 in the nation. Borelli explained that her success came from “countless hours of hard work and always staying focused on my goals.” Competing in the state finals was an unforgettable experience for her. “It was truly exhilarating. All 10,000 people are watching you compete in the sport you love,” she said.
After graduation, Borelli plans to attend the United States Air Force Academy and hopes to continue wrestling while possibly training through the Olympic Training Center.
Junior Michael Coelho also represented the school at state. Although his record at the tournament was 0–2, he earned the Pursuing Victory with Honor award, which recognizes athletes who show strong sportsmanship and respect. “I achieved this by always being respectful and humble,” Coelho said.
He still enjoyed the experience of competing on such a big stage. “It was very fun because I got to hang out with my friends and it was exciting to be competing in that arena.” Next year, Coelho hopes to improve and said his goal is to place at state.
Sophomore Luke Borelli finished with a 1–2 record at state and was proud to compete at that level, especially as an underclassman. “I was happy I made it there, especially since I’m only a sophomore,” he said.
Luke explained that staying consistent and pushing himself in practice helped him reach the tournament. The atmosphere at state also left a strong impression on him. “It was way bigger and louder than any other tournament, and you could tell everyone there earned their spot,” he said. The experience motivated him to work even harder, and his goal next season is to place at state and win more big matches.
These three wrestlers represented the school with pride and determination. Their experiences at the state championships show how dedication and perseverance can lead to amazing opportunities, and they have already set their sights on coming back even stronger next season.
