Gervais Middle School Shines at District Wrestling Tournament 
Wolverines wrestling team recently wrapped up their season with an impressive showing at the district tournament. Competing against 12 other schools, Gervais secured an 8th place team finish—a placement that doesn’t fully capture the remarkable individual performances of the team’s dedicated wrestlers. Despite facing challenges such as illness, vacations, and academic ineligibility that kept a few athletes sidelined, the team’s spirit and determination shone through. Of the 12 wrestlers who competed, seven earned spots on the podium, demonstrating both grit and skill.
Top Performers:
• 1st Place: Ivan Perez (175 lbs), Julian Guzman (220+ lbs)
• 2nd Place: Jesus Martinez (175 lbs), Savva Martushev (220+ lbs)
• 3rd Place: Brian Vera (132 lbs), Noah Saalfeld (140 lbs, Sacred Heart), Rilack Gage (175 lbs)
Coach Ricardo Ferreira, who led the team with passion and expertise, reflected on the season with pride. Coaching has always been a significant part of his life, having worked with both middle and high school football, wrestling, and softball teams. Currently, he wears a lot of hats for the Gervais Sports community. He is an assistant football coach for middle and high school, head wrestling coach for middle school, and middle school basketball coach. Among these sports, wrestling holds a special place in his heart as it was his favorite during his own high school years. For Coach Ferreira, wrestling is more than just a sport; it’s a tool for personal growth. He believes that wrestling teaches students resilience, self-discipline, and the importance of both individual effort and team support.
Understanding the challenges of wrestling, especially at the middle school level, Coach Ferreira chooses not to focus on losses. Instead, he frames each match as an opportunity to learn and grow. After every competition, he encourages his wrestlers to identify what went well and what can be improved. This positive approach helps maintain morale, even after tough matches. He extends this mind-set beyond the mat, teaching students to appreciate the positives in life and to view setbacks as valuable learning experiences. As the season concludes, Coach Ferreira is optimistic about the future. With nearly ten wrestlers set to return next year, the team is poised to build on this season’s momentum, aiming for even greater success. Congratulations to all the Gervais Middle School wrestlers on a season marked by hard work, resilience, and growth!