The Lakewood Lancers wrestling program is excited to get the season started with a bolstered lineup.
“Last year we were very young and inexperienced and lacked numbers for our program, which was very challenging,” Lakewood coach Ray Gulmatico said. “We have three times the wrestlers this year, including an entire girls’ lineup, which is very exciting.”
Gulmatico said that Venice Leibas and Zenaib Hakeem will be the key returners in the girls’ lineup, and Jetro Preciado (170) will lead the boys after finishing fourth at CIF last year.
Preciado and Todd Ritchson (160) are defending league champions on the boys’ side, and returners Tim Nou (106) and Jovanni Olmos (220) were finalists. Sophomore Tyler Redfield is one of a few newcomers who could make a big impact.
“Our kids have been working hard during the off season and it will definitely be a fun year this year,” Gulmatico said. “Our entire coaching staff understand what it takes to get on the podium at State and when that starts happening consistently, then we will be moving in the right direction.”
