California High School wrestling returned for its second ever season this month, and this year's squad is even more driven following the Pintos' first stab at the sport.
Pintos wrestling is led by head coach Travis Payne. Payne is not only the head coach for California High School wrestling but is also an assistant coach for Pintos football and the boys physical education and health teacher at California Middle School. Payne brings a unique blend of knowledge and toughness to California wrestling the Pintos need to lead them through their season.
In only their second season as a team, the Pintos may not have as much experience as several of their opponents do. But what the Pintos do have are young men who range in different weight classes who know how to fight and play their cards right in the ring, Payne said. Besides trying to win matches, he said California's primary focus this winter is to win enough matches to help build a winning culture for years to come.
Payne said he has the wrestlers to do it, as most of them are coming back for their second season in the ring.
"In our second season, we want to continue improving as we build on the success that we had last year," Payne said. "Jerron Burns, Alexis Anguiano, Austin Suen and Joseph Charles all returned from last year's squad to lead this team."
During his short tenure as the head coach of Pintos wrestling, Payne said he has discovered techniques during practice sessions that have proven to be beneficial to the performance of his wrestlers. One of the biggest techniques he emphasizes during practice is putting his wrestlers in positions where they are in danger of losing a point and having them fight to get an edge.
"We are always correcting in wrestling, working with them to improve position and correct their technique. The best method is to put them in bad positions in practice and have them drill correcting their mistake," Payne said.
As a coach and educator, Payne said he is well aware that every wrestling meet is not just a competitive experience -- it's also an educational experience. Through all his coaching, Payne said he wants to teach his wrestlers how to build their character while also building their wrestling skills.
"We teach character on the mat. Wrestling teaches a lot of life lessons, and we can build off that with quick character lessons and a word of the week," Payne said.
The Pintos began their season with a home match Nov. 19 against Missouri Military Academy. Their next match will be a Tuesday doubleheader when they face off against South Callaway and Tipton.