Lincoln wrestling wins PVL Tournament

After nearly a decade, the Lincoln High School boys wrestling team is back on top of the Pioneer Valley League. The Fighting Zebras won the league tournament Saturday at Oakmont High School for the first time since 2017. The boys team was led by four individual champions: Jesus Antonio at 113 pounds, Andrew Garcia at 150, Adam Elkholi at 165 and Lorenzo Aguilar at 190. Benjamin Wade placed second at 285. Several other wrestlers qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV tournament. Liam Gonzalez (126), Zach Caraotta (138), Dawson Myres (144) and Seamus Oliver (175) all placed third. Talon Brommerich finished fourth at 157, and Joshua Ayala placed fifth at 120. On the girls' side, Devin Hoffer, Madeline Blackthorne and Grace Tripp each captured individual titles, while Kaitlyn Beskeen finished third and Macey Wilcox placed fourth. First-year head coach Isaac Mendoza praised the girls for their performance, noting their development will continue to bolster the program in the years ahead. "One thing I really emphasize this year with coaching these kids is trying not to coach the hype," Mendoza said. "Our philosophy has been consistency. We've been consistent in every tournament for the last four months, and this year it paid off." Mendoza also recounted the high-pressure moments that defined the tournament, noting Lincoln needed a victory by pin at 190 pounds and a loss by Oakmont at 215 pounds to take the title. Both happened, and Mendoza credited the clutch finish to Lincoln's preparedness in tense situations. The Zebras have faced setbacks this season, including a loss to Marysville in their final dual before the tournament. That defeat left the team in a situation where other results would impact their championship hopes, but Lincoln's wrestlers rose to the occasion. "We qualified 10 this year with four champs, which was a big step up from last year," Mendoza said. "We're building something really cool here. Even though we're graduating five seniors, we already have JV guys ready to step into those spots next year." From last-place league finishes in the Foothill Valley League just three years ago to champions in 2026, Mendoza says Lincoln's rise reflects the work of the athletes and coaches. He also emphasized the importance of focusing on the fundamentals and preparing wrestlers individually. The Division IV tournament will take place at Pacheco High School in Los Banos on Saturday.