The Grizzlies’ wrestling team is looking good with an outstanding trio that will hopefully lead them into the postseason.

Junior Mason Barker, senior Jesse Remington and senior Cole Cummiskey have performed well at crucial parts of the season for Cal (4-6 overall, 2-3 EBAL).

“We are going to do the best we can in league and hopefully make it to NCS,” said senior Chris Rice (140 pounds).

This year’s team has a lot of young wrestlers, but everyone is working hard and has the motivation to step up against some of the more experienced teams in league.

“We work together, and the older guys are good leaders for the younger kids on our team,” said Jesse (189).

Jesse has proven to be an excellent wrestler in his division, boasting an 18-2 record. He has his sights set on the loftiest of goals. 

“He’s always had a goal to win state, and as long as he keeps getting stronger, he could definitely do it,” said coach Shawn Armstrong.

The Grizzlies have dropped their last two meets, falling to Livermore 51-17 on Jan. 29, and  San Ramon Valley 50-26 on Jan. 22.

In the Livermore meet, Adam Stallbaum (103), Mason (112) and sophomore Rich Garwood (215) were the only Cal wrestlers to win the matches. 

Rich pinned his opponent in 3:57.

Against San Ramon Valley,  Mason pinned his opponent within the first 20 seconds. Cole, Jesse and Chris all won their matches.

The Grizzlies did well at the Lawrence Miller tournament on Jan. 19. Jesse had an amazing performance, winning his weight class by pinning his opponent within the first minute of the finals.

Senior  heavyweight Robert Aguero also had an impressive showing by winning his division. Cole placed third in the 130s.

The Grizzlies got their last league win on Jan. 15 when Cal smoked Monte Vista, 55-15. Chris, Jesse, Cole and Mason all won their matches handily.

The men lost to Foothill 48-20 on Jan. 13, despite Jesse, Mason, Rich and Cole all winning their matches.

“I think they definitely earned it,” Jesse said of Foothill. “They’re a hardworking team.”

The Grizzlies beat Amador 41-31 in an intense meet on Jan. 8. 

Cole competed in the heavyweight division and put up a good fight before losing to Amador’s Sean McVey in triple overtime. Sean is undefeated in league for the Dons.

But Jesse slammed and pinned his opponent, allowing Cal to claim victory at its league opener.

The team would have to agree that these well fought meets stem from the passion of their coach.

“He really wants us to do our best and I think that’s the best quality in a coach,” said Jesse.

Armstrong believes that hard work and putting in a lot of time outside of practice is what makes a good wrestler.

“The cool thing about wrestling is you can really tell who’s working hard and who’s not,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong also said that the reason the team needs to work hard is that since there are only two men on the mat at a time, the one who works harder is always going to win.

Before league started, Armstrong and his team traveled to Liberty High for the Lou Bronzan two-day tournament on Dec. 22 and 23. 

Jesse and Cole led the way as both of them finished fourth in their weight classes. Mason also helped the team out by finishing eighth in his class.

At the Bill Martel Invitational at Northgate High on Dec. 13, Jesse and Cole both reached the finals in their divisions, but both lost in close matches. 

Jesse fell in the finals to Las Lomas’s Sean Dougherty in a well-wrestled match.

Cole also fell short just of winning his final match. He lost by a score of 8-6, which put him third overall for his division.

With Mason coming in eighth and Chris in ninth, it was a good day for the Grizzlies.

 Having a young team will always present a challenge. However, the team feels that having a close team will guide them to success.

“I want to build foundation for the future,” said Armstrong. “We’re here to build good people, and good teammates.”