Wrestlers start strong; program outpaces space
By Claudine Ricanor
Scripps Ranch High School wrestling is off to an exceptional start this season, driven by rising participation, strong tournament results and growing enthusiasm across both the mens and womens teams. The program has expanded steadily in recent years, and this season marks one of the largest rosters in school history. The womens team, in particular, continues to grow rapidly, reflecting the increasing popularity of womens wrestling across the region.
Early season success
The Falcons have already made a strong impression on the mat. The mens varsity team opened the season by winning the 2025 Carlsbad Lancer Invitational, led by champions freshman Rostam Hosseini and senior David Henderson. Seniors Matthew Tung, Micah Kollmeyer and Elisha Hosseini also reached the podium, setting a confident tone for the year.
The men continued to perform well across tournaments, including top finishes at the Hamada, El Cajon and Mission Hills Invitationals. Highlights include E. Hosseini’s first place finishes at El Cajon and Mission Hills, Kollmeyer’s pair of second place finishes, and multiple placements from R. Hosseini and Tung, underscoring the team’s depth and competitive growth.
The Lady Falcons have matched that energy. They opened with a 36-24 victory over Crawford and followed with strong results at the Goddess of Victoria tournament, where sophomore Malia Kollmeyer and senior Khyla Adams placed first in the varsity bracket, as well as sophomore Soren Mendoza and senior Marian Meriga earning medal finishes. The JV squad added an impressive list of medals, with standout performances from junior Jayda Nicholson, freshman Allison Baik, freshman Lylah Nann, sophomore Leia Meza, freshman Sophie Geller and junior Madilyn Novak. At the Warriors of the West tournament, Mendoza placed second, Kollmeyer and Adams earned third, and Nicholson finished fifth.
Need for more space
With participation at an all time high, the program now faces a challenge: it has outgrown its practice facility. The current wrestling room – designed for much smaller teams – can no longer safely accommodate the full roster. Coaches often split practices or limit drills due to lack of space, affecting training efficiency and athlete safety.
Head Coach Justin Viramontes said the program’s growth reflects the sport’s momentum as well as the team’s culture.
“Wrestling is exploding – not just here in Scripps Ranch, but across the country,” he said. “Kids are drawn to the discipline and challenge of the sport. Wrestling teaches resilience through adversity. When you step on that mat alone, you learn to face challenges head on. But with more wrestlers comes a real need for more space. For safety, for development and for the future of the program, we’re asking the community to help us take that next step.”
The team will hold several fundraising efforts this year with hopes of expanding the on campus facility or securing additional practice space.
A rising force in wrestling
Between surging participation, strong results and a growing reputation for inclusiveness and hard work, Scripps Ranch High wrestling is quickly becoming one of the area’s standout programs. The Falcons attract athletes of all backgrounds and experience levels, and have built a culture rooted in teamwork, pride, and perseverance.
Additionally, wrestling continues to attract athletes from football, baseball, lacrosse and track because of its well known crossover benefits, building balance, explosiveness and mental toughness that translate directly into other sports. Many Scripps Ranch athletes credit time on the mat for helping them return to their primary sports stronger, more agile and more resilient – making wrestling an ideal winter training ground for multi sport competitors.
As the program continues its rise, community support will be essential to ensuring the team has the space it needs to keep growing safely and successfully.
For more information on how to support the Scripps Ranch High wrestling team, contact scrippsranchhswrestling@gmail.com.
