Gilroy High sophomore Jasmine Yanez recently took third at the

Gilroy High sophomore Jasmine Yanez earned her second
All-American wrestling honor – the first of her high school career
– by taking third place at the 2009 Women’s High School Nationals
held March 28 in Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Gilroy High sophomore Jasmine Yanez earned her second All-American wrestling honor – the first of her high school career – by taking third place at the 2009 Women’s High School Nationals held March 28 in Oklahoma City.

After missing last year’s Nationals due to a broken finger which required pins to be inserted, Yanez was eager to compete against the country’s elite female wrestlers. A second-round defeat almost threw that anticipation out the window, though.

“I just kept a clear head and with my coach (Andres Barragan) there I knew he would help me get through it,” Yanez said.

Rolling through her next four matches, Yanez ended up in third out of the 16-woman bracket, which consisted of wrestlers from across the nation.

On Sunday, Yanez had the opportunity to represent California in an All-Star dual against the Texas All-Stars. Facing Taylor Bushboom, who placed first in the nation at 109 pounds a day prior, Yanez took an early lead in the first period by earning a takedown. She continued to dominate the match to win a 5-0 decision.

By taking third at nationals, Yanez said she will have access to train at the Junior Olympic training center in Colorado this summer. Along with making plans to visit the JO training center, she will be competing at several prestigious tournaments.

“I just hope to do my best and no matter what, as long as I do my best (at these tournaments), I know either way it will be a success for me,” she said. “Just to be able to go these tournaments is a real great privilege and I’m very thankful.”

On top of thanking coach Barragan, Yanez credited her coaches at Gilroy High for helping prepare her on and off the mat.

“In order to be the best you have to train with the best,” she said.

Previous articleLinda Sue Harvey Securda
Next articleEditorial cartoons: Real March Madness

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here