SRJC men’s wrestling put their hard work and dedication on display at the Northern California Duals tournament Oct. 20 at Haehl Pavilion. The team finished with a 3-1 record, and placed fourth overall.

The team opened up with its first win of the day against Delta College, ending with a score of 47-6. They then battled Sac City, their only loss of the tournament, falling 6-40. However, the players were able to finish the day strong with two more wins, defeating Skyline by a score of 48-4 and Chabot with a score of 47-4.

The team has been on fire this season due to the players’ competitive edge and determination to succeed.

According to SRJC wrestlers, it takes much more than an interest in the sport, but a passion and strong will power to succeed at what they do.

Andrew Wolocatiuk, the opening match competitor, has been wrestling for more than eight years and is a sophomore.

“We had an early season start, and a strong dedication right away from all of our players,” Wolocatuik said.

The SRJC wrestling team has to worry about cutting weight so some wrestlers may compete in their desired weight class. “I haven’t eaten anything since Wednesday Oct. 17 and I stopped drinking water on Thursday.” Wolocatuik said.

Ivan Turner is another wrestler on the team who goes through the same intense preparations as Wolocatuik. “Since Friday I have had no food or water, but right before my match I had a Gatorade and McDonalds’ to gain some energy,” he said.

Blake Borges has a different recipe for success. “You have to look good to wrestle good.” He explained his method for making weight, “I work out three times a day, cut down on a lot of food and just eat healthy with plenty of water intake.” Borges summarized his diet to be based on protein, whole grains and fruit.

Coach Jake Fitzpatrick is a contributing factor in the team’s success. Fitzpatrick has coached the players tough since the beginning of the season and explains how cutting weight is all part of the process. “It’s an obstacle they have to meet and they overcome it,” Fitzpatrick said. The wrestlers go through a body weight testing in the beginning of season, which helps determine which weight class they should compete in.

“Most of our guys aren’t cutting weight, and if they are, they are never to go below 5 percent body fat so it is not a significant weight loss,” Fitzpatrick continued.

The team has worked hard all season long and has responded well to Fitzpatrick’s demanding work regiment. “The coaching staff is great and our assistant coach provides us with tough workouts.” Wolocatuik says.

“The coaches turn up the level each practice and it pays off.” Turner said.

Fitzpatrick expresses his support to his players after the Northern California Duals Tournament, “They did pretty well. We finished fourth place and we beat the teams we were supposed to beat,” Fitzpatrick said.

The team looks to continue its success after improving to a 9-1 overall record. With their recent victory against Chabot, they remain 2-0 in conference.

The team will compete in either the Lassen tournament in Reno, Nev. or the San Francisco Tournament in San Francisco.