The wrestling team faced a tough tournament in Albany on Saturday, January 19.The team faced a stamina-testing day as the young squad, containing only two seniors, found its best finish through senior Paul Hernandez.

Paul came into the tournament unranked, knowing he would have to fight to medal.  He defeated the first-ranked wrestler by two points in the second round, and the victory propelled him to the semi-finals.  Unfortunately, he hurt his shoulder during the round and ended up losing his 3-2 lead.  This lead to an injury default in his last match, causing his fourth-place finish.

“I should have won it and been in the championship,”  Paul said.  “But that’s just how things go.”

Los Altos would not receive any other medals that day, as the squad, composed of four freshmen, five sophomores and one junior, could not place.

“We are really young and are still trying to get used to the all-day tournaments,”  Paul said. “I feel that when league finals come around that we should be ready.  We should qualify at least five people to the CCS tournament.”

The team will head back to practice at the high school. Los Altos has its next league match against Fremont High School on Thursday, January 24.