Zavala Wrestling Era Begins Saturday
Saturday's (October 28) women's wrestling duel with The Evergreen State College will be the first of the season for the Big Bend Community College Lady Vikings wrestling team. The duel will also be a first for new head coach Desiree Zavala, who begins her first collegiate season as a head coach.
"My main goal is to grow the program here at BBCC, and win individual and team national titles," stated Zavala, a feat she has already accomplished as an athlete. Zavala was hired during the summer months to reenergize the Lady Vikings wrestling program, and brings with her a presence on the mats that is known abroad. A four-time state Washington high school state champion, Zavala won multiple national titles and All-American honors, while competing at wrestling's highest of levels.
Zavala will have a challenge in front of her to build women's wrestling to a notable status. Despite a third-place finish in the 2023 National Collegiate Wrestling Association's (NCWA) National Championships, the women's wrestling program lost a significant group of talent, including All-Americans Anna Rodriguez and Sitlaly Macias, who are continuing their academic and athletic careers at Eastern Oregon University. However, the lone returner from last year's squad is Samantha Meyer. Meyer 2022-23 season ended with a bang, as she scaled the podium to achieve National Champion status.
Despite limited experience on the mat, Zavala is excited for the upcoming season, stating, "Although we have a smaller team, the girls that we do have all have extremely high potential. They come in every day, ready to work, with a great attitude. Our girls push and support each other, and treat each other like family. We have a great dynamic and I am excited for the future growth of our program."
It is this level of work ethic and attitude that Zavala hopes will carry them to another successful season. "We are right up there as a potential top team for this season," said Zavala. Despite the recent successes on the mat of rival Grays Harbor College, Zavala is confident that this year's team will be ready to compete when the time comes, as she stated, "BBCC has consistently been top finishers at nationals, and we expect the same outcome this season."
Big Bend Community College women's wrestling team opens the season Saturday, October 28th, in a duel versus The Evergreen State College. The team will also host one home event this season, as they continue the traditional Big Bend Scramble, slated for November 18th in the Devries Activity Center on the campus of Big Bend Community College.