Long Beach Wrestling Faces Great Expectations

Long Beach High School wrestling has a strong tradition of excellence, and expectations remain high for the 2010–11 season.

Just as his team was preparing to host the 7th annual Battle by the Beach tournament at Long Beach High School last Saturday, head coach Ray Adams was determined to block out the static and focus on the moment at hand.

"We just take it one day at a time," Adams said. "We don't look too far ahead, we don't look back. Last year doesn't mean a hill of beans to us now. We talk a lot about not resting on our laurels. It's all about hard work."

Assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach Bernard Valentin was no less focused on the "now" than Adams, but was more willing to acknowledge the pressure that came with winning the county championship in 2009–10.

"Our first goal is to repeat as county champs," Valentin said. "The coaching staff has our sights set on the state championship. We don't put that pressure on the kids, but that goal is on our radar."

No one is under more pressure than Dylan Palacio. The enigmatic, pensive junior – wrestling this year at 140 pounds – was fourth in the state last year and knows his time has come. Ahead of last Saturday's tourney, Palacio – donning SpongeBob pajamas, loud Nike sneakers, a hoodie and headphones – tucked himself into a remote corner of the gym, trying to get mentally prepared.  

"I don't know, it's just a feeling I need to get before each match," Palacio said. "If I get the feeling, I know it's going to be a good match. I've been training for this moment. I've been training for years. The future is now. In the end, it's just about how much you want it."

Mark Raghunandan wants it pretty badly. An Asics All-American in Greco-Roman style, Raghunandan was one of the best wrestlers in the state last year and his no problem shooting for bigger and better in 2010–11.

"For this season I'm hoping to win another county title," said Raghunandan. "Last year I was third in the state, so I'm hoping to win it this year."

At 102 pounds, Raghunandan is both highly skilled and highly strategic. His Zen-like approach gives him an edge.

"I know if I have to wrestle someone good, I'll look at that kid's style," said Raghunandan. "I'll focus on what he likes to do, so I can become him."

This year's squad goes much deeper than Palacio and Raghunandan. Edison Tigre-Borja, Krishna Sewkumar and Nick Khoury are all returning county finalists. Adam Dejesus and Matt Gray both placed third in the counties last year and will look to have a big impact as well. Joe Bosco was a 2009–10 county qualifier who will also look to make waves at 189 lbs.

"The team is working really hard," said Raghunandan. "We have a really stacked lineup."
While the pedigree and the accomplishments have been piling up for the Marines, coach Adams knows that chemistry and integrity are the cogs that truly drive the Long Beach wrestling machine.

"I'm very proud of these guys," said Adams. "They work very hard and they're a real cohesive unit. It's a real tight bond, which I think is crucial to having a successful team."