Ceres High’s girls wrestling program enjoyed individual and team success under head coach Curtis Hulstine’s guidance during the 2022-23 school year.

The new-look Bulldogs are determined to be just as competitive this season.

“They’re very eager to compete,” Hulstine said. “They’ve taken advantage of all the practice time we’ve had. They’re all working really hard.”

Ceres High returns seven wrestlers from a season ago, including Makynzie Hale (Sr., 190 pounds), Camila Orellana (Jr., 140s), Madeline Schultz (Jr., 190s), Jaden Stahl (Jr., 130s), Dayanna Alvarez (So., 140s), Elizabeth Boyd (So., 190s) and Jadasa Haro (So., 120s).

The Bulldogs have six newcomers: Carmen Arce-Hayes (Sr., 135s), Amelia Duarte (Sr., 155s), Destiny Maron (Sr., 170s), JazlynnMarie Cadriel (Jr., 190s), Illiana Enriques (Jr., 145s) and Elianna Tigerino (Jr., 190s).

“We’re relying heavily on our returners to get the newcomers up to speed,” Hulstine said.

Schultz and Stahl were voted team captains by their peers.

“They’re experienced,” Hulstine said. “They’re leaders. They’re dedicated. They’re always at practice. The other girls see that.”

Alvarez placed first while competing in the 137-pound weight bracket at the Western Athletic Conference Championships as a freshman. She compiled a 2-0 record.

Hale placed second with a 1-1 record at 160 pounds.

Boyd placed second with a 1-1 record at 189 pounds.

Stahl placed third with a 2-1 record at 121 pounds.

Schultz placed third with an 0-1 record at 170 pounds. 

Alvarez, Hale, Boyd and Schultz all represented the Bulldogs at the Sac-Joaquin Section South Regional Tournament.

Boyd and Schultz both medaled after placing fourth and sixth, respectively.

Boyd posted a 3-2 record.

Schultz won one of her four matches.

Hale (3-2) and Alvarez (1-2) both placed 10th.

Boyd and Schultz both secured individual berths to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament.

Boyd and Schultz compiled identical 1-2 records in their respective weight divisions.

“They (Boyd, Schultz, Hale, Alvarez and Stahl) have a good chance to move on to Masters this year,” Hulstine said. 

Ceres High will compete against Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Los Banos, Pacheco, Lathrop and Mountain House during the WAC portion of its schedule.

The Bulldogs managed to place second with a 6-1 record during the 2022-23 WAC dual-meet season despite competing with a new-look lineup. Ceres High returned just four wrestlers from the 2021-22 team last winter.

Ceres High brought home seven individual medals from the WAC Championships. The Bulldogs totaled 94 points en route to a third-place finish in the team standings.

Ceres High had seven individuals advance to South Regionals and two to Masters.

“I’m not sure how the rest of the league is looking,” Hulstine said. “We have to figure out our lineup. It’s going to be tough getting back there (top three in the WAC) because of how young we are. If every girl wrestles to their ability, we can.”

The Bulldogs have a roster size of 13 this season, down from 23 a year ago.

“Absolutely,” Hulstine said when asked if Ceres High’s participation numbers would increase in the future. “As our team gets better, the news of that will go around campus. And more girls will start walking into the wrestling room.”

“We really foster a family environment,” he added. “We run a tough room, which it should be. It takes confidence, dedication and grit (to wrestle).”