As always, the goal remains the same for the San Benito
wrestling squad. Coach Matt Olejnik is preparing his nearly 100
wrestlers for their season-opening dual meet at home to Cupertino
on Dec. 6, but the unofficial start of the season came on Tuesday
night at the ‘Baler Challenges in Hollister.
HOLLISTER
As always, the goal remains the same for the San Benito wrestling squad.
Coach Matt Olejnik is preparing his nearly 100 wrestlers for their season-opening dual meet at home to Cupertino on Dec. 6, but the unofficial start of the season came on Tuesday night at the ‘Baler Challenges in Hollister.
With San Benito wrestling toward postseason supremacy, the intersquad preseason tournament that pits ‘Baler against ‘Baler is where it all starts.
“Our goal as always is to compete for a section title,” Olejnik said. “Our goal is always to get as many guys possible to section and get as many state placers. That’s how we structure our practices.”
Although Tuesday’s challenges didn’t bring too many surprises, two matches stood out for Olejnik.
At 119 pounds, Morris Stevens defeated last year’s lone state-qualifier, Junior Davila, in what was a “great match,” Olejnik said. Additionally, at 130 pounds, freshmen Zach Rodriguez defeated returning varsity wrestler Geo Coelho in a very close match.
“But everything else went to tune from there,” the coach added.
While the challenges provide some insight as to where each wrestler will fall on the weight-class ladder, Olejnik said nothing is official at this time.
“For the most part, it gives us an idea,” he said. “But nothing is etched in stone and the lineup changes constantly.”
Olejnik has an idea of about 20 top wrestlers for San Benito who’ll be battling for 14 varsity weight classes when the season gets under way. Next Wednesday’s hydration tests, though, will provide more insight into where each ‘Baler can wrestle.
But with only three graduating seniors from last year’s squad, the Haybalers are poised to make some noise in the Tri-County Athletic League as well as the Central Coast Section.
With the sophomore Davila bringing state experience, San Benito is expected to be led by Buddy Barazza (215 pounds), Manny Tovar (189), Fernando Lucatero (171), Joshua Ramirez (160), Stevens and freshmen Rodriguez and Mike Soto (112).
In some unofficial rankings, Barazza is listed as the top 215-pounder in the CCS, while Lucatero is listed the same at 171. Lucatero is returning from last year’s CCS tournament, in which he broke his forearm in the first match.
And the CCS will be crowded with the usual suspects, including San Benito, Palma, Los Gatos and Gilroy.
Salinas is expected to be difficult as well this year in the TCAL, while Olejnik expects to meet if not exceed last year’s number of CCS qualifiers.
“I think we can send, for sure, 12 to the section,” he said. “I think we can send most of the team, if not all of the team.”
Competing in what is the toughest league in the CCS, Olejnik said, San Benito plans on being heard, from the heavyweights down to the 103-pounders.
“Gilroy is still the team to beat in our section, and Los Gatos is loaded with seniors, so it might be their year,” Olejnik said. “But if we put together a good stretch and our guys develop, we’ll be right there with everybody.”
