Wrestling (3-3) lost 36-39 to Woodbridge High on senior night in the gym on Jan. 10. Though at first the Bulldogs gained a point lead over the opponent and won several duels, the Barrons gained a three point lead in the later duels by successfully executing takedowns and pins. The team hopes to improve certain takedown skills before their next game against Northwood High on Jan. 27 at Northwood High.

“This match I really tried to focus on timing and finding the right place to attack, footwork and matching the opponent’s speed, and trying to attack a certain way based on how he moved,” captain and senior Kyle Yin said.

Despite the loss, players still felt proud of their performance and optimistic for future matches, according to senior Raghav Iyer. The Bulldogs also experienced many successes in their performance. Head coach Tony Riccardi credited this to improved tactics that assistant coach Matthew Harreld implemented.

“In wrestling, it’s all about technique,” Riccardi said. “The key is to learn the technique, practice the technique, but it’s also conditioning. Part of our strategy is how we’re conditioning the athletes and making sure they’re eating correctly. What we like to do is have a well rounded program where there’s techniques — resistance training, proper nutrition and proper hydration — all the formulas to a successful program.”

In addition to practicing technique, the team traveled to local tournaments in Irvine to prepare for the home duel, according to Riccardi. The focus on strategy and practice pushed many players to improve their wrestling moves, according to Yin.

“All season we’ve been practicing really hard from 6 to 8 pm every day,” Iyer said. “They’re late practices, and it’s prepared me a lot. Working with a lot of the heavier guys in there and wrestling with them [helps me] get a feel of the tougher opponents I could face.”

Iyer believed he performed well in the match, attributing his success to practice that allowed him to pin his opponent. Senior night also boosted seniors’ self confidence and performance, according to Yin.

In the future, players hope to improve certain takedowns so that they can gain more points during duels, according to Iyer. He specifically wants to improve his double leg takedown, a move that involves attacking both of the opponent’s legs to get a takedown.

“This move is used in upper levels,” Iyer said. “So if you can get under them and get a good level change, then it’s a hard thing for [the opponents] to face, even if they know it’s coming.”