HomePublicationLa CañadaSpartans Ready to Take on Biggest Challenge

Spartans Ready to Take on Biggest Challenge

Photo courtesy Justin Luthey<br >Alex Mykalo second from right recently placed 2nd in the West Coast Classic

The La Cañada High School varsity boys’ wrestling team has had a busy winter season, placing second in the Gabrielino Duals as a team and having most of its athletes place in the West Coast Classic at Rosemead High.
Head coach Justin Luthey has guided his squad to a 12-1 record, which includes Rio Hondo League victories over Glendale Hoover and Pasadena Marshall, and his group is ready for its biggest challenge yet. The Spartans will host San Marino today, a matchup that should determine this year’s league champion.
“I think we’re ready,” Luthey said. “Everyone has wanted this. No disrespect to our opponents, but some of our guys haven’t had much a challenge. Confidence is high right now and we’re looking to peak [against San Marino].”
The Titans have talented individuals, including one of the top-ranked wrestlers in Luka Wick, but wrestling duals is a team sport. Luthey plans on filling all 14 weight classes against San Marino, and he knows his team is ready to accomplish one of its goals, which is to reclaim the league title.
“This is a team sport,” Luthey said. “We are fortunate in that we haven’t had any major injuries. We will have our best lineup [against the Titans]. I know they will do what they can to get that win. I think grit is the key word for this team. We have many gritty guys, and we’re very hopeful we can accomplish our goal of winning league and eventually sending a wrestler in every weight class to CIF.”
The goal of sending more wrestlers to the postseason is within reach for La Cañada. Luthey had six wrestlers place in the West Coast Classic recently. Alex Mykalo was third in the 138-pound division, Michael Lee finished fourth at 170 pounds, David Martoff was fourth at 195, Ken Kim finished fifth in the 220-pound bracket, Cameron Fernando placed fifth at 106 pounds and Ryan Lee finished sixth at 182 pounds.
“We’ve been doing well because of their energy,” Luthey said. “I really like seeing this energy level. It’s definitely were we want it to be at this point of the season.”
The Spartans and Titans will battle for the league crown today at 4:30 p.m. The match will be in the south gym at LCHS.

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