The Jesuit High School wrestling team is set to kick off the 2025 competition season on December 2nd, hosting Rocklin High School in what promises to be an exciting and energetic home opener. With a roster that blends proven varsity veterans, rising underclassmen, and an impressive freshman class from the prestigious Cali Kids Youth Wrestling Club, the Marauders enter the year with renewed confidence and depth across the board.
One of the most anticipated returners is junior Lorenzo Mabalot, who dominated much of last season with 23 wins and 12 pins. His third-place finishes at the Mark Fuller and Christian Cotter tournaments cemented his status as a postseason threat. Many believe that if not for a season-ending injury, Mabalot would have punched his ticket to the state tournament. Now fully healthy, he returns with intensity, focus, and unfinished business.
Sophomore Titus Kessler is another athlete expected to make a major leap. After a standout freshman year, which included a fourth-place finish at the SFL Championships, Kessler quickly established himself as one of the program's premier young talents. Coach Carlino spoke confidently about his potential, saying, "I think Titus is going to have a breakout year. We're looking at a potential state qualifier." His continued growth in the room has been obvious to teammates and coaches alike.
Senior Tristan Pizano, entering his fourth and final season, has long been one of the anchors of Jesuit wrestling. Coming off a strong year that included 11 wins and a 5th-place finish at the Vista Eagle Invitational, Pizano's leadership and competitive nature continue to set the tone for the team. Fellow senior Owen Groves, also a four-year member of the program, brings similar experience and grit. Last season, he earned nine wins and placed sixth at the SFL Championships, and he now looks to close out his career with his strongest season yet.
Junior Campbell McDowell remains one of Jesuit's most unpredictable and exciting wrestlers. His funky style and ability to scramble out of difficult positions make him a dangerous opponent, something he proved with a fourth-place finish at the SFL Championships and seven pins last year. Opponents never quite know what McDowell will hit next — and that's exactly what makes him so effective.
Another key member of the program is junior Jacob Lerma, who finished as the runner-up at the Delta League Championships in 2024. Unfortunately, Lerma suffered a significant injury early last season and was sidelined again this year. Even so, he remains an influential voice in the room, helping the younger athletes and staying involved with the team's culture and preparation.
Jesuit's roster is bolstered by a group of returning underclassmen who have made substantial offseason improvements. Wrestlers like Liam Padilla and Maxwell Mendoza have been steadily developing and are expected to contribute meaningful match experience throughout the season.
Sophomore Hunter Greenfield showed exceptional commitment by traveling to Iowa — one of the nation's premier wrestling regions — to sharpen his skills over the summer. His enthusiasm and work ethic have been contagious in the practice room.
The program also welcomes back dedicated athletes such as Jason Dominic Solano, James Sung, David Janssen, and Benjamin Horel, all of whom continue to progress and push for varsity opportunities. Their improvement adds crucial depth to the roster and strengthens Jesuit's competitive potential in dual meets.
Adding even more excitement is the arrival of an impressive freshman class, each coming from the Cali Kids Youth Wrestling Club — a group well-known for producing high-level competitors. Thomas Cummings, Gabriel Jackson, and Nicolas Lerma enter high school with advanced technique, strong mat awareness, and a competitive maturity uncommon for their age. Their presence has elevated the intensity of the room and created healthy internal competition across several weight classes.
As Jesuit prepares for its opening dual against Rocklin on December 2nd, the atmosphere in the wrestling room is a blend of focus, energy, and anticipation. With veteran leadership, battle-tested returners, rapidly developing underclassmen, and talented newcomers, the Marauders appear poised to take a meaningful step forward this season.
The journey begins at home, where Jesuit will take the mat for the first time in 2025 — ready to compete, ready to grow, and ready to make a statement.
