Titans Wrestling Bests Yellowjackets in First League Match

The Grand Terrace Titans came out victors in the first league match up of the season against inter-district rival, Colton High School Yellowjackets. The Titans walked away with a 53-24 final tally in the Grand Terrace-hosted meet Jan. 16, which saw a lively vocal crowd cheering on both sides. The win will help the Titans in their next meet against defending CIF champs, Fontana High School Steelers, tonight, Jan. 23. Key pins helped Grand Terrace in Thursday's matches, explained head coach John Odenbaugh, who said the team was prepared for close matches, having knowledge of Colton's team history. It was training and practice that paid off for Grand Terrace, he felt. "Our middle, and especially our heavyweights, really came out and wrestled with heart and won their matches," Odenbaugh said. He explained the coaches and the team have set a goal to make CIF this year, and that's what they've been focusing on in practice this year. They'll continue that method as they prepare for the match against the Steelers. "We've really been talking to the guys in practice all week about our goal to make CIF and we've let them know it's hard work, heart and determination to win that will get us there," Odenbaugh said. The Titans have seen vast improvements since the program began during the school's first year during the 2012-2013 season. "Last year we didn't win a single league match," Odenbaugh said. "Both Colton and Fontana beat us. We've come far." The meet against Fontana will begin at 5 p.m. with junior varsity and near 6 p.m. for the varsity team in the Grand Terrace High School gym on Jan. 23.