Mearse, Bulldogs shooting for top in wrestling

By Jack Killion

 wrestling coach Ryan Ritter is trying to turn his athletes into champions on the mat. 

He should know more than anyone what it takes to be a champion, having been an undefeated state champion and North Coast Section MVP while he attended San Rafael. 

Now it's his task to bring his athletes to the highest levels of competition.

Last year, the Bulldogs were a young and inexperienced team. Ritter, in his third year as varsity coach, called the season a "learning experience" for many of the boys, most of whom had little or no wrestling experience. 

However, through its hard work and determination, the team steadily improved.  "We had trials and tribulations," says Ritter, "but we practiced hard." 

It is this kind of never-say-die attitude that can move the Bulldogs from being one of the bottom teams in the MCAL to one of the best.

Shaq Mearse, a senior who is in his first year wrestling as a Bulldog, has the experience and talent it takes to hold his own against some of the best competition in the sport. 

"I want to make it to State Championships," says Mearse.  And, with six years of wrestling experience and the distinction of being champion of his former league, lofty goals such as these are very possible.

One other factor that might come into play this season is the fact several of the Bulldogs who will be wrestling have just come off of a football season in which they went undefeated during the regular season and made it to the second round of the NCS playoffs.  Among these multi-sport athletes is Jimmy Au, an Honorable Mention selection on the All-MCAL football team on both Offense and Defense.

Mearse believes the momentum of the football season will play a part in how well the wrestling team does this year.  "We want to be just as good on the wrestling mat as we were on the football field," he assures. "We know we'll be facing many of the same opponents."

Ritter identified the strong work ethic of the team as its strongest feature. 

"They're a very focused group," he says.  "They're focused on winning." 

In his opinion, all of his athletes have the potential for greatness, and this may be why the team has grown so strong across the board.  "I push them all to the limit," he claims. "Anyone can have an opportunity [to perform well]."

Although last year the Bulldogs failed to have any athlete gain first- or second-team all-league distinction, they are hopeful for the coming year.  Among Ritter's goals is to advance an athlete to the State Championships. 

The Bulldogs are a team on the rise, and to quote Ritter, "[They're] going places."

SAN RAFAEL HIGH WRESTLING SCHEDULE

Home games in CAPS

Nov. 23- MCAL novice tournament (at Novato)

Jan. 5- at Novato

Jan. 13- at Marin Catholic

Jan. 15- at King of the Mat Tournament (Windsor)

Jan. 20- SAN MARIN/TAMALPAIS

Jan. 27- Drake/Terra Linda (at Terra Linda)

Feb. 2- REDWOOD

Feb. 9- at Justin Sienna

Feb. 12- NCS Dual

Feb. 19- MCAL Championships (at Drake)