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Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
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Wrestling team smashes the season

Ben Madanski, Staff Writer
March 10, 2024
Ben Madanski
Senior wrestler, Ken Lin (24’), goes up against one of the many wrestlers who attended this year’s wrestling CIF championship. Out of 30 members on the wrestling team, only four upperclassmen and 4 other members qualified to participate in the CIF wrestling tournament. “This year was a pivotal year for Webb wrestling,” said Eric Hansen, VWS and WSC wrestling coach and humanities department faculty. “This year, our team has had the most members [it’s ever had], and suddenly, the possibilities felt bigger.”

Webb’s wrestling team capped off a season overflowing with remarkable moments. Webb’s wrestling team not only had a record-breaking 28 members – this year, the team also for the first time included a VWS program.  Additionally, they had the most league champions and CIF wins in Webb’s history this year. 

The Webb wrestling team, being a prominent force within the Montview League, has taken 11 match wins and solidified their team standing. At individual league finals, Pui Fong (’24), Ken Lin (’24), Hector Vargas (’25), Simon Xu (’26), and Sandy Li (’27) came out on top in their respective weight classes. 

 “It was a bit nerve-racking but still really exhilarating to compete against others and see how I fared compared to other wrestlers in our league,” said Simon, 126 lbs. league champion. 

As Eric Hansen, humanities department faculty and head wrestling coach, explains, the wrestling team plans to maintain its momentum into the next season.  

“It takes a lot [of matches] to build confidence, and then wrestling becomes fun,” Mr. Hansen said. “So next year I’m excited for us to continue to grow, for people to become more successful and build on everything learned this year.” 

Consequently, anyone who placed 3rd or above at the individual wrestler tournament qualified to wrestle at the CIF meet that took place at Great Oak High School for WSC and at San Dimas High School for VWS. Multiple teams participated in CIF, filling the whole gym of both schools. Despite the unprecedented amount of competition at both schools, Webb wrestlers captured five wins on the mats. 

As the wrestling team closes out their season, Webb students should look out for the upcoming wrestling seasons as the team is projected to keep the momentum up and going. Congratulations to all Webb wrestlers for an outstanding year! 

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About the Contributor
Ben Madanski
Ben Madanski, Staff Writer
The ability to visualize a swing plays a crucial role in the game of golf. Practicing this skill as a varsity golf player at Webb, Ben Madanski (‘26) applies such clarity and confidence to life. Though mostly spent in his home in Claremont, Ben’s summer was nevertheless fulfilling as he took a course on AP Chemistry, a subject avoided by many, simply because it is fun to create chemical reactions. Ben applies his problem-solving skills to debate as well on the Webb team. Contrary to his calm demeanor, Ben argues passionately in heated debates to practice the skill of using logic to persuade others. When he is not busy solving chemical equations or winning debates, he enjoys shopping with a small group of friends as he prefers the intimacy of a small friend group. Joining the WCC as a staff writer this year, he hopes to bring attention to climate change protests. As a debater, Ben stands behind a logical persuasion of beliefs and not the hindrance to everyday life that Ben believes to happen in many such protests, such as blocking traffic to capture attention. No matter what, Ben does not succumb to the pressures of life and takes his swing exactly as he envisions.    Song: "From the Start" – Laufey