As the whistle blows and the buzzer beeps, the effort begins. Slams against the mat echo as wrestlers work to take down their opponents, hoping to have their hand raised by the referee.
On Nov. 22, Blue and White Night took place.
The WEGO wrestling team kicked off its season with its first home event, Blue and White Night. The annual showcase gives the community a look at what athletes have been working on. Although not as competitive as tournaments or dual meets, the night offers wrestlers their first matches of the season as they ease back into competition.
“[This event] should be something engaging for the community. Hopefully, get family and friends out here and you know, we’re selling shirts out here. We got some different fundraising opportunities, things like that,” Coach Miguel Silva said.
The girls’ wrestling program has also grown each year. Originally starting in October 2021, the program is entering its fifth season — with no signs of slowing down as more girls join annually.
Considering it is the first event of the year, for some returning athletes, it does become a challenge to get back into wrestling shape.
“I remember when I first started, we were like just eight girls, and now we’re up to around 30 or 40 girls in just like four years as well. It’s a huge jump, and I’m honestly really proud of that. It shows me that there are a lot more girls that are passionate and want to learn,” senior Brissia Bucio said.
A newer rules change, implemented last year, increased the value of a takedown from two points to three. The adjustment can quickly swing the momentum of a match.
All levels participated, with the lower levels opening the event and varsity spot challenges ending the night. Electric matches were seen throughout.
Not everyone ended the night on a high note.
“A lot of girls were nervous, anxious before their matches. They finally realized what it means to win a match and to lose a match. We saw a lot today — a lot of them ended up crying after a match, which is typical, because it happens,” Coach Jonathan Juarez said.
Overall, the coaches are all extremely proud of how the girls’ team has taken off and become better every year.
“What we want is just girls are committed, and they’re aggressive every time they step on the mat. And I think a lot of these girls have been buying into that, to that mindset,” Juarez said.
For newer wrestlers, Blue and White Night is something to look forward to — a chance to get a feel for what a real match looks like and what they can expect.
The season has just begun, and competition is already ramping up. “I’m trying my best to put all the effort I’ve been doing working out, all the conditioning — I’m gonna put it out on this mat tonight,” senior Landon Rodriguez said.
Revision
Nov. 23, 2025
This article has been updated to correct minor errors, including numerous capitalization issues. Several sentences were lightly revised for clarity. Edited versions of the originally unretouched photos have been added. These changes do not alter the reporting or factual content of the article.
Correction
Nov. 23, 2025
The article originally published did not include any photo credits, which have now been added.