The River City High School girls wrestling team athletes and coaches posing with the West Sacramento City Council members on March 5. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento 

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - At the March 5 West Sacramento City Council Meeting, the council honored the River City High School girls’ wrestling team for their league championship season.

In their inaugural season, the girls’ wrestling team finished their league competition undefeated and secured the Monticello Empire League tournament championship. The team made history as the league’s first-ever women’s wrestling champions.

A proclamation of the City Council celebrating Women’s History Month and the success of the wrestling team was read at the meeting.

In part, the proclamation read, “Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, that the City Council of the City of West Sacramento herby recognizes and congratulates the River City High School Girls Wrestling Team for their historic championship, commends their contributions to the advancement of women’s athletics and celebrates their role in inspiring future generations of female athletes.”

Members of the wrestling team, along with the team’s coaching staff, were present at the council meeting and provided comments thanking the council.

River City High senior Lilly Dempsey spoke for the team.

“As a team of girls, we have come to face a lot of adversities, but we have overcome,” Dempsey said. “I’ve made so many friends, lifelong meaningful relationships.”

 

 

Members of the River City High School girls wrestling team shake hands with West Sacramento City Council members after being honored at the March 5 council meeting. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

“The coaches lifted us up further than we had gone before. I can honestly say, I’m a different, better person because of girls wrestling.” Dempsey concluded.

The City Council members added comments to celebrate the occasion and the proclamation.

Vice Mayor Verna Sulpizio Hull commented, “This is about community, it is about womanhood, and it is about doing incredible things together.” 

Councilmember Alcala added, “You have great passion for what you do and that is what makes you a champion.”

Mayor Martha Guerrero concluded the council’s comments.

“It takes a village for all of us to be where we are at today,” Guerrero said. “And to all of those that stood by your side and supported you, your parents your family, those who cheered you on, your friends, thank you all for making this historic moment possible. We are so proud of you.”

The outlook for future team success is rosy, after graduating three seniors this year, the team will still have 13 members returning for next year according to River City High School Wrestling Coach Jason Stolpe.

Coach Stolpe describes the team’s success, “Our recipe for success is all about maintaining high standards, getting good grades and being good citizens of the school and community, hard work, and discipline. This all has worked to create a good positive culture in our wrestling room that kids want to be a part of. The girls buy into our system, work hard, and improve throughout the season.”