By DAVE CAMPBELL

The Bulletin

This was a year of firsts for 160-pound Sierra junior Alexa Garcia. She was the first wrestler in school history to place at the California State Wrestling Championships, placing sixth at Rabobank Arena. 

“I was striving for more,” Garcia said. “I wanted to get first at state but I got ill. I was fine with it because I knew I could do better.”

This was the first time the boys and girls wrestling championships were held at the same time at the same venue, extending the event from two to three days. 

“It was intense,” Garcia said. “The girls wrestled the first day and the boys and girls wrestled at the same time on the third day. It was crowded and it was good. I got to meet new people.” 

After the prep season ended, Garcia went to the World Championships in Reno and won at 170, defeating the Utah state champion for the gold medal. 

“I got first place in Reno,” Garcia said. “There were seven girls in my bracket and they were all good. 

“I want to win state next year. I want to work hard and be the first wrestler from Sierra to win a gold medal at state.” 

Garcia marched through the post-season, winning the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section South Regional Championship and following that with the gold medal at the SJS Masters Championships.

Garcia tallied a silver and bronze medal in season action, finishing second in the Castro Valley Invitational and third at the prestigious Napa Valley Classic.  

“Alexa is built up some hardware this year,” Timberwolves coach Alex Nuanez said. “But we are looking forward to winning the state title next year.”