The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The Millikan wrestling program is still finding itself midway through the season, but Wednesday night’s dual meet against Wilson gave the Rams a high note to build off heading into winter break. Hosting the Bruins for Senior Night, Millikan’s girls opened with a 47–30 win before the boys followed their lead with a 59–19 victory.
”I’m okay with the result, but I’m definitely not satisfied,” Millikan coach Blake Lovato said after the meet. “We’re still working out the kinks and don’t have our full lineup yet. After winter break, it’ll be a different team as we continue to figure out the best combinations to score the most points and maximize each kid’s abilities.”
The girls team received pins from Dalilah Mora (115 pounds), Illiana Pichardo (120), Vanessa Serrano (130), Amiyah McIntyre (135) and Isabella Martinez (140), along with a decision win from Jaelen Escala (110). The Rams also picked up two wins by forfeit from Ryanne Cabarles (125) and Amaris Espinoza (145).
It was an impressive showing for a young Millikan girls team, which is predominantly made up of freshmen and sophomores. That made the night particularly meaningful for Isabella Martinez, who earned a pin on Senior Night as one of the Rams’ few seniors.
“Honestly, I was really nervous that it wouldn’t go how I planned,” Martinez said. “But I just prayed for it, and I’m very proud of myself. I’ve worked really hard and I have to thank Coach D-Lo and Coach Blake for getting me here.”
For the boys, Millikan earned 10 total pins out of the 14 matchups, and only dropped three of the matches with one being a forfeit. Daniel Cullen (120), Kai Backstrom (126), Chase Antrobius (132), Jimmy Alvarez (144), Milad Sharif (150), Jason Fiala (157), Chris Anguiano (175), Daniel Escobedo (215) and Teagan Rowsell (285) each earned a pin, while Anthony Avelar (106) chipped in five points with a decision win.
“It’s wonderful,” Escobedo said after the match. “We dominated.”
Millikan won’t be back into Moore League action until the new year when they host Lakewood in a dual meet for alumni night.
