Covid 19 put all sports on pause for a bit, but due to Pleasanton being moved into the red tier that has changed. Wrestling has been able to safely practice and compete while still taking the state rules seriously.  

With constant contact and breathing into people’s faces, wrestling seemed like the sport least likely to make a COVID comeback. Luckily though, Amador’s wrestling team has been allowed to compete under certain rules.

 “To comply with COVID guidelines we’re making sure to be strict about keeping masks on during practices and we often leave the wrestling room doors open to keep the wrestling room ventilated. Additionally, we’re making sure to get tested days before duel meets with other schools to ensure everyone can wrestle without worrying about catching covid from someone on either team,” says Connor Kireizenbeck (‘23).

In addition I asked Krizenbeck whether or not he thinks his season will be successful this year due to everything that is going on. 

  “I think this season will be very successful because everyone is eager to commit to practices despite our season being shorter than usual. On top of personal drive, wrestling these days is the first step toward returning back to a normal school life. Excellent circumstances now allow us the opportunity to reintroduce a sense of normality back into our lives,” said Kireizenbeck (‘23).

With such confusion and obstacles presenting themselves to those who choose to compete, just having the willpower to join can be difficult. But once an athlete has a taste of competition and sportsmanship, it’s hard not to come back.

“I joined wrestling this year because I was eager to commit back to my team and to return back to a hobby of mine, now that circumstances allow us to safely return to the wrestling room,” says Kireizenbeck (‘23).

The Amador Valley wrestling team is doing everything they can to still be able to play the sport during these crazy historical times. Wrestling is an all contact sport, difficult to be playing during this pandemic, but with the protocols the team is following it allows these students to play the sport they love safely.