Students can find CSUN’s Wrestling Club practicing stances and shooting doubles in Redwood Hall. Monday and Wednesday nights, along with Friday mornings, they roll out the mats to go head-to-head.

The team is mainly student-led, with Richard Salazar serving as the only volunteer coach.

Five-year wrestler Mario Eguino, currently wrestling for the 149-pound division, explained how CSUN’s club differed from when he wrestled in high school.

“We’re more self-organized, so the pace is kind of dependent on us. Before it was [you] kinda showed up and the coach told us everything to do, but now it’s like we’re in charge so we gotta figure out where our weak areas are, what we’re gonna practice,” he said.

The members assured that students do not need experience to join the club – newbies and veterans are all welcome. The only requirement from the university to join is a completed health physical, an EKG test and health insurance.

Club President Angel Juarez, wrestler for the 141-pound division, learned how to wrestle when he joined the club three years ago.

“We’re actually beginners friendly,” he said. “Most people would think that you need to already know how to wrestle to join, and it’s not that way. I started new here, and now I’ve been here for three years.”

The club competes in the NCWA Division II. They contact nearby schools on the West Coast, mainly in California, to set up dual meets against other school clubs and attend tournaments, such as state and regionals. If they place, they head to nationals where they face out-of-state wrestlers.

Buy-in costs for meets and travel expenses are covered by a 40-50% budget that the club receives from the university. The club fundraises to cover remaining costs of team gear, retreats, team bonding events and other travel expenses.

There are currently about 12-16 people, including approximately five women, who consistently attend practices. Juarez said while Friday mornings are a bit slower, Monday and Wednesday nights attract more people – the most he’s seen since joining his first year.

Andrew Paul, a wrestler in the 132-pound division, had some high school wrestling experience and found his way back to the sport through the club after taking time off.

“I found out about the club during the sportz-a-palooza,” Paul said. “I remember last year, my first year here, seeing the club and wanting to join but I didn’t have the chance at the time. So now, being able to be part of the team is actually really great cause I love the sport.”

Paul also said the night practices help him balance both the athletic club and his schoolwork.

“It’s a little rough. I’m happy that the Monday/Wednesday practices are later at night, cause then I can get all my classes done and then still have time to do my work and then go to the practice,” Paul said.

Eguino agreed that finding a balance was challenging. “It’s tough, but I think it’s definitely rewarding, so it makes it worth coming to practice even though you’re tired,” he said.

Many team members said they have become close through the sport and that they talk to each other outside of practice time. They advocated that the sport is for everyone, no matter the skill level.