2008 Woodie Awards
A new start brings new faces
Members get first taste of action this season against Chabot's alumni
Edmond, A.J.
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
|
The Alumni Match has been held every year since 1969 to kick off the Gladiator Wrestling season.
Although no official score was taken, it seemed as though the alumni got the better of this year's squad.
Much like the cheerleaders, this year's wrestling team consists of an entirely brand new team, a team that includes a girl.
Jennifer Cruz stands out as the team's only female competitor.
Never in Gladiator history has there been a female competing on the wrestling team.
However, where most would see weakness, Head Coach Steve Siroy sees strength.
Entering his 30th year as a Gladiator wrestling coach, Siroy said of Cruz "Jennifer Cruz is a hard worker, and she can do everything that the guys can do."
Although she lacks the ability to pee standing up, she does have the desire to wrestle.
"I've had females inquire about wrestling on the team, but never actually followed through," said coach Siroy reflecting on his thirty years experience.
When coach Siroy was asked if she could wrestle?
He answered, "She puts forth good effort, and I'm going to put her in some matches to see."
In the Alumni match Cruz was matched off against David Jogoda who was 5th in state for Chabot in 2004.
Although Cruz didn't fair so well, "she competed" said Coach Siroy.
He added, "she's not as strong as the guys, weighing in at only 117 pounds, and she need's a bit more skill. And Jogoda is a tough opponent."
Jogoda also faced off against James Durago, one of the two returning wrestlers for the Gladiators this year.
Travis McCrea, Chabot's other returning wrestler, battled Alumnus Josh Wheeler.
The Chabot wrestling team is completed with freshmen Lloyd Hill, Tim Loftus, Scott Rakowski, Arturo Lopez, John Bennett, Charles Jones, Jonathan Ronny, Shawn Schantin, Kevin Soltis, Jonathan Chavez, Matt Hohl, and Phillip Parker.
The gladiators will get under full swing when the season starts this Friday Sept. 15 in Santa Rosa.
Chabot won't come home until Oct. 11 when they hit the mat against Skyline College.
