Hacienda wrestling league finals were hosted by South Hills on Jan. 28 and brought together the toughest wrestlers for an unforgettable night of competition, packed stands, roaring teammates, and proud families cheering from every corner of the gym. SHHS wrestlers reflected on the competition.
In the 135-pound weight class for varsity girls, Sofia Harwood (11), now in her second year of wrestling, pushed through to claim first place in her weight class.
“Winning league finals for the 135 weight class means so much to me because last year I was so close and placed second. This year I’ve improved a lot, and I’ve put in a lot of work and winning league was my ultimate goal of the season,” Harwood said. “The biggest way I’ve grown as a wrestler is improving my mindset. I no longer cry after every loss and I understand that losing is a part of the sport.”
For the 140-pound weight class, Ava McGowan (12) made an immediate impact in her first season at SHHS as she claimed a league finals title and secured a spot in CIF.
“Winning league finals meant absolutely everything. Knowing I’ve put in so much work just to finally do that- it was truly a great moment cause it’s been a goal of mine for so long. I’ve grown as a wrestler since the start of the season [by asking myself] how can I do it better. [I] even ask my coaches what I can do to make move[s] more efficient, and stop letting any type of space come in between me and my opponent. I like asking others what they do or think so I learn from other people’s mindsets when they’re in matches. I do all this to grow myself mentally,” McGowan said.
During this event, Anyssa Lopez (10) took her place in CIF for the 130-pound weight class.
“Winning league finals at my weight class means a lot to me, especially because last year I was just a point away from being a champ and I had fallen short from one of my many goals I had as a freshman. Now I am proud to say that I have accomplished my goal as being champ from all of the hard work and dedication I have put into it,” Lopez said. “I believe I have grown from a wrestler from when I started to where I am right now, from all the extra work I put in and because of my awesome teammates and my dad, who always pushed me to put in the extra work when I didn’t want to and pushed me to be the best.”
Mia Mota (12) earned her place at CIF in the 170-pound weight class and finished with determination to get that win.
“Winning league finals in my weight class means a lot to me because it shows that all the hard work, practices, and tough matches this season paid off. It feels really rewarding to see my effort turn into something I’m proud of,” Mota said. “The biggest way I’ve grown as a wrestler is becoming more confident in my skills and learning to push myself harder every match. I’ve also learned to stay focused and not give up even when things get tough.”
