By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
San Benito High School wrestling coaches believe that success on the mat this coming season begins with summer strength and conditioning.
That’s the thought process for coaches Juan Caballero (boys’ team) and Kristen Longoria (girls’ team) as they announced the start dates for their summer strength and conditioning program.
It’s safe to assume, based on past summer events like these and recent district titles, that turnout will be high.
“We’ve conducted strength and conditioning for several years. It’s become our foundation; we focus on building durable, functional athletes so they’re ready for the mat on day one,” Coach Longoria said. “It’s beneficial for anyone serious about competing. This is where we build the ‘gas tank’ needed to handle the demands of a full season. While not a requirement, it’s a vital time for our wrestlers to bond and get better.”
Coach Caballero said these strength and conditioning routines greatly enhance a wrestler’s durability.
“It helps build their base strength, conditioning, and mat readiness so they are prepared for the season and help reduce injury risk,” he said. “We’re expecting a strong turnout, typically between 20 and 30 athletes, depending on incoming class size and participation.”
Coach Caballero’s last senior class produced one collegiate signing, Brandon Salinas, to Upper Iowa University.
He would like for that in itself to be enough motivation for the younger wrestlers to aspire to.
“The success of the program has definitely increased motivation,” Coach Caballero said. “Athletes see the results and understand what it takes to reach that level, which raises overall commitment.”
The Lady Greyhounds have back-to-back district titles to motivate them, Coach Longoria said.
“We’re expecting a strong turnout, too; the energy is high right now, especially coming off our back-to-back district dual titles and a district championship,” she said. “It’s great to see their motivation. They’re chasing the standard that previous teams set, and that buy-in makes a massive difference in the culture we’re building.”
It had been 13 years since SBHS earned a district title, so the Lady ‘Hounds are basking in the success.
For the boys, strength and conditioning runs from June 8 through July 30, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
For the girls, the strength and conditioning is June 8 through July 10, from 1-3 p.m., Monday through Wednesday only.
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