Photo by Bryce Owen ’17 | Gabe De La Rocha ’18 runs sprints during practice Nov. 7. De La Rocha is a captain for the wrestling team, and he is a source fo motivation for the rest of the team.

By Chris Agnone ’18
THE ROUNDUP

The wrestling team competed in Brophy’s first out-of-state tournament in December as the team ties to rebuild.

Jacob Robles ’18 is a very experienced wrestler and is one of the team leaders this year.

“We have had a rebuilding year this year,” Robles said. “We lost a lot of seniors last year so this year has been tough.”

The team also has a new coach this year, coach Mr. Alex Falkenstein, who is helping coach Mr. Chris Stevens ’85 with the freshman team.

The statewide competition has also increased as schools focus more on their wrestling program.

“One of the best teams this year is Mesa Mountain View,” Robles said. “We had a match against them and they destroyed us. It is either them or Corona del Sol.”

The team lost quite a few senior leaders, so many junior wrestlers were forced to step up.

“Gabe de la Rocha ’18 has been a big part of the team this year,” Robles said. “He is a very motivated wrestler and he keeps the team moving.”

The team only had four wrestlers at the dual meet Dec. 7 due to injuries, sickness and grades.

Luke Jacobs ’18 is also captain and has high hopes for the state tournament.

“The Prep Slam was a really fun, tough tournament,” Jacobs said. “We came out with three places: Gabe de la Rocha, Brogan Smith and myself.”

The Prep Slam was the first out-of-state tournament for many of the wrestlers.

“The team did very well for a big tournament,” Rocha said. “Jacobs placed 5th and Brogan Smith ’18 and I placed 6th.”

The team is looking forward to the state tournament after out-of-state wins.

“We are looking for a few placers this year,” Rocha said. “The Prep Slam really got us ready for the higher competition to come.”