The Trojans won the alumni wrestling match 34-33 for the first time on Friday, Sept. 9th at 7 p.m. in the Skyline gymnasium.

Although highly competitive, the match serves primarily as a pre-season warm-up for the current Skyline wrestling team. It also provides an opportunity for former Skyline wrestlers to re-connect with the team.

Some of Skyline’s new wrestlers, such as Veronica Uy, described the experience as being especially helpful.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Uy, the only female wrestler in the event. “It was the first time I wrestled a guy in a college match.”

The alumni competing in the event came from various backgrounds, but all were eager to participate because of the positive impact the wrestling program had on their lives. Brian Kelleher, who transferred to UC Davis this semester, was compelled to attend both out of familial support and out of dedication to the program.

“My brother is wrestling, so I wanted to get in on the mat,” Kelleher said, who also cites wrestling as having influenced him as the person he is today. “I’m majoring in biochemistry, trying to do research for good causes. Wrestling has motivated me in life.”

With the season officially beginning on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Sacramento City College, Skyline wrestling looks to be competitive for dual meets, says Coach James Haddon. However, Haddon is weary of pitfalls that may arise as the season progresses, such as injuries.

“Things change quickly,” Haddon said. “It’s hard to say how we’re going to progress.”