After winning the CCS wrestling tournament for the 182-weight class on Feb. 27-28 at Independence High, senior Christian Murabito finished just outside the top eight at the California High School State Finals on March 7-8. At CCS, Murabito easily won three matches on the first day. He won the first two with pins and his third match 4-0, which allowed him to advance to the semifinals the next day.

The semifinals match provided more of a challenge for him, but he pulled off a 5-2 victory, bringing him to the finals match.

Murabito had an “even closer finals match” against the second-seeded wrestler, Tony Andrade from Gilroy, triumphing 3-1. At the state meet at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, he won his first two matches by fall, but was pinned in his third match, which put him in the consolation bracket. He won his first two matches in the consolation bracket 3-0 and 6-1 before getting pinned in his next match.

Murabito credits his success in CCS to “hard work and patience.” Murabito often practices and works out four hours per day.

Although none of the other team members made it to CCS, they supported Murabito’s role in the tournament.

“We cheered Christian along the way,” said senior Connor Peebles, “and if he needed to work outside of practice or skip it, [the coach] gave him permission.”

The team won two matches in their league, but wrestlers were happy with the season.

Five members of the team were first-time wrestlers this year. According to Murabito, they did well for first timers, and they fought well during league matches.

The team will again face difficulties next season regarding experience, as seniors Nate Ludwig, Murabito, Peebles, Vince Rositano and Jason Tsai will be graduating.

Looking back at their time on the team, Murabito said, “It’s been a great experience. It’s been a lot of hard work.”