After an outstanding 2023-2024 season, the Jesuit High School Sacramento wrestling team aims to continue their success this winter. The team has refined their skills throughout the off-season, training to dominate the competition.

“A lot of the wrestlers, including me, have been doing off season practices throughout spring, summer, and fall,” said Xavier Pizano ’25. “And outside of just practicing, we’ve also been going to tournaments and wrestling camps. We’ve done a lot of off-season competition and practices to prepare for this upcoming season.”

While there were many successes last season, Wrestling Head Coach Chris Carlino took note of weak points the team needs to improve on. 

“Our team showcased tremendous growth, with a few wrestlers placing in prestigious competitions and having Grant Anderson ’24 and Logan Nguyen ’25 placing in sectionals,” Coach Carlino said. “However, we identified areas for improvement, particularly in endurance during long matches, refining technique, and maintaining consistency across all weight classes. This year, we’re focusing on building a stronger foundation in these areas.”

For the team to continue their success from last year, they’ll have to support each other and win collectively. Coach Carlino hopes to establish character in his wrestlers, as well as improve team chemistry.

“Our primary goal is to grow both as individuals and as a team,” Coach Carlino said. “We hope to qualify more wrestlers for the sectional and state tournaments and to have strong showings at every competition. Beyond the accolades, we want to instill a sense of resilience, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among the athletes.”

Tristan Pizano ’26 is eager to compete alongside his teammates and continue furthering his relationships through wrestling.

“I am most excited to experience the wrestling season with my teammates,” Tristan said. “All the struggles you go through in wrestling create a different kind of connection from that of any other sport.”

The wrestling season is already underway. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Jesuit lost a league matchup to Rocklin High School 24-52. That weekend, on Saturday Dec. 7, Jesuit competed in the 13th Annual Vista Eagle Varsity Invitational, placing ninth out of 31 teams. Then, on Wednesday Dec. 11, Jesuit lost 12 – 70 in a league matchup against Whitney High School, before placing 11th at the Mark Fuller Invite on Saturday, Dec. 14. Jesuit attends the Christian Cotter Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 4. Make sure to show up and support the wrestling team.