Always with a close ear to the online chatter, the San Benito High wrestling team never seems to be short on motivation.
And already, with the Tri-County Athletic League slated to kick off on Wednesday at Salinas, motivation is at a premium.
The word in some circles is that the Central Coast Section title will either end up in Gilroy or St. Francis this year - two teams that are currently ranked 1-2 in the CCS at the moment - leaving San Benito to play odd man out.
"I think they forgot about a big competitor," said 152-pound Josh Ramirez, who went 4-2 at state last year and helped lead the Haybalers to a runner-up finish in the section.
"We had a good team last year, but I think with the new stuff we've learned this year it should be a cinch," Ramirez added. "It's definitely doable. I've always had a lot of pride in the team, a lot of confidence. It's just if they have that same confidence in themselves."
The 'Balers, currently ranked fourth behind No. 3 Palma -"We're always under-ranked," Ramirez said - return a formidable lineup anchored by the 152-pounder, among others.
Two-time state qualifier Junior Davila, who went 2-2 at state last year at 112 pounds, and 160-pounder Enrique Lucatero highlight San Benito's lineup. But it will take a full team effort, from the 103s to the heavyweights, in order to knock six-time section champion Gilroy from its perch.
"I think we're doing a lot better (this year)," said Davila, who will wrestle at 119 pounds this season. "We're much more conditioned."
First-year coach Brian DeCarli, who previously wrestled at Palma High, says his team is close to where it wants to be at this point in the season.
"We've accomplished a lot more than I thought we'd get to at this point," DeCarli said. "But we're showing a lot of new techniques, so it's gonna take some time for it to get ingrained."
The new coach is already immersing himself with the competition, though. Earlier this month, DeCarli scouted both Gilroy, St. Francis and Palma at the Gary Bianchini Memorial Wrestling Tournament in Cupertino, where the Lancers edged the Mustangs by three points.
And just last weekend at the Apple Cider Classic in Watsonville, San Benito topped Palma for the tournament championship - the Haybalers' second title this season after it won the Coast Classic in Scotts Valley.
"Gilroy is always gonna be the top dog until someone knocks them off," DeCarli said. "Everyone is talking about Gilroy and St. Francis, but hopefully no one has forgot about us."
Aside from their two tournament championships, though, San Benito's most impressive run to date may have come at The Bash in Clovis East, where the 'Balers finished fifth out of 66 teams.
And an impressive run at CCS, and later at state, will rely on how many wrestlers the 'Balers put through.
San Benito sent 13 to section last year, four to state.
Those making their case this season will be Kenny Salcedo at 103 pounds and Nikko Espinoza at 112. Morris Stevens (125), Zach Rodriguez (135) and both Erik Henry and Geo Coelho at 135 pounds will also put up a fight.
On the other end, Brantley Mott (189), Martin Garcia (215) and Adam Davis (heavyweight) are among other possible candidates.
"We have the potential of having three or four guys in the finals at section and three or four guys with titles," DeCarli said. "It's gonna be about who has the deepest team."
At 140 pounds, Steven Borba, who won his weight class in Watsonville last weekend, is making a name for himself with a strong preseason, while Josh Fontaine (145) and Eduardo Tovar (171) round out the current lineup.
"A lot of the mistakes we were making earlier in the year, the kids are recognizing it and not making those mistakes again," DeCarli said. "It's gonna be fun when we actually get a heads-up against Gilroy, St. Francis and Palma.
"They better not forget about us."
Andrew Matheson Andrew Matheson is a sports writer for South Valley Newspapers. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 334 or at amatheson@svnewspapers.com.
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