GALT, CA (MPG) - In an exhilarating display of tenacity and skill, the Liberty Ranch Hawks narrowly defeated the Galt Warriors in a closely contested crosstown wrestling match. Hosted at Galt High School, the event drew a spirited crowd eager to witness this highly anticipated showdown.

The boys’ matches highlighted the intense competition, culminating in a 39-36 victory for Liberty Ranch. The evenly matched teams showcased their talent and determination throughout the meet, keeping the audience engaged until the final bout. The narrow victory underscored the competitive nature of the rivalry and set the stage for exciting future encounters.

On the girls’ side, Liberty Ranch won the majority of matches and benefited from a series of forfeits, leading to a commanding 30-6 triumph. With women’s wrestling gaining traction and popularity in both schools, the meet reinforced the importance of nurturing these programs to engage more young athletes.

Galt’s new head coach, Edward Smith, emphasized a back-to-basics approach this season, focusing on fundamentals.

“Our goal this season was to build a solid foundation of fundamentals,” Smith said. “Most importantly, my focus was on developing these young men and women to be the best versions of themselves every day, on and off the mat. Our season ended with a near loss to Liberty Ranch, 39-36. Had we not given up several forfeits, we could have pulled out an upset victory over a very strong, talented team.”

As the Hawks and the Warriors prepare for the upcoming league match and individual competitions at sections, there is a shared aspiration to refine their skills and achieve their personal and team goals. The efforts displayed by both squads highlight the commitment and dedication of the wrestlers and coaches, promising an exciting future for wrestling in the region.

With wrestling gaining a stronger foothold among female athletes, both schools are eager to keep building their programs, enhancing opportunities for young women to excel in the sport. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to watch these wrestling programs grow and thrive, fostering talent and sportsmanship in the local community.