Cascade High School’s (CHS) boys wrestling team celebrated its graduating seniors on Tuesday night, January 28, in an emotional and hard-fought, split conference meet against the visiting Omak Pioneers and Chelan Goats. The atmosphere in the gymnasium was electric as family, friends, and fellow students gathered to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of these soon to be graduating athletes.
The senior wrestlers – captains Frank Rosario, Damian Sandoval, and Jeffry Palacios, and Cruz Martinez, Abraham Gonzalez, and Talen Johnson – were each introduced before the match, walking onto the mat with their families.
Head Coach D’Andre Vasquez and Assistant Coach Juan Martinez shared heartfelt words about each senior, highlighting their contributions to the team, their individual growth, and the impact they have had on the Kodiak wrestling program.
“These seniors have poured their heart and soul into this team,” said Vasquez. “Their commitment has been special, and they’ve shown incredible leadership, both on and off the mat. We’re going to miss them.”
The seniors themselves were filled with a mix of emotions. There were tears, smiles, and a palpable sense of gratitude mixed with nostalgia. “I’ve been waiting for [senior night] since freshman year,” explained Palacios. “It was really great having my family with me as we were recognized.”
Sandoval concurred with Palacios adding that he “will miss this group. The team is like a second family to me; it was meaningful to have us, and the sport, recognized like that. This night was exciting and sad at the same time.”
But the evening was not all sentiment. The Kodiaks, Pioneers, and Goats battled fiercely on the mat, with several close matches keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. The seniors wrestled with extra determination, leaving it all out there in their final home meet.
“We had a tough one tonight, as it always is against Omak,” remarked Vasquez. “And we were missing a couple of our guys, which always presents a challenge. But we rebounded against Chelan, and we’re headed to the post season now with Districts next weekend, and the top eight qualifying for State. We anticipate doing well and taking a pretty big group.”
Sandoval echoed Vasquez’s optimism: “We’re projected to have a good post season with a lot of us going to Districts and State. So, I’m hyped for that.”
“It’s a really tough sport and I'm proud of all these kids coming out here and wrestling regardless of the score,” concluded Vasquez.
With the regular season behind them, the Kodiaks are now looking forward to the postseason, starting with the Sub-District Tournament on Saturday, February 8, at Okanogan High School. The top four wrestlers in each weight class will advance to Districts.
Boys Wrestling Post-Season Details:
Sub-District Tournament: Saturday, February 8, at Okanogan High School. The top 4 wrestlers in each weight class advance to Districts.
District Tournament: Saturday, February 15, at Wapato High School. The top 8 wrestlers in each weight class qualify for Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome on February 21-22.
Congratulations to the CHS wrestling senior class of 2025!
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