The Raider wrestling team has grown this season with 38 athletes. Coach Joe Piazza said “(With our larger team) goal setting has been a big focus this year..” 

Coach Piazza is excited with the improvement he has seen over this season.  “My most exciting moments have been to see each wrestler achieve a personal best, whether it is increasing the number of matches won,  achieving their personal best in weightlifting, or perfecting a new move.” 

“The team has a true sense of camaraderie. Their friendship is a strong bond that grows from the dedication and hard work they put into the sport,” observed Coach Piazza. “ Wrestling is intense and the team has a vibe together that instills a drive in each of them that propels the team forward.” 

A prime example of camaraderie happened this past weekend when the wrestling program hosted the sectional invitational tournament. 14 teams competed with a state tournament berth at stake. CDH wrestler Mickey Piazza ’25 qualified for this week’s state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center. It is Piazza's first trip to the state tournament. “This has been a dream come true for me, to compete in the state tournament.” said Piazza “ The last few days has been very exciting, a huge shout-out to my teammates and coaches who are a huge part in this achievement” “It’s an honor to represent our program and school at state, I can’t wait!!”

The team appreciates the parents and new supporters who bring a lot of excitement to the matches.  “We have a lot of new families to the sport. It has been fun for the parents to get to know each other better and learn about the sport.  We  have felt the energy in the bleachers!”   

As the program grows, Coach Piazza has high hopes for the future of Raider wrestling, “Wrestling is such a fun sport, I am so excited to see these boys on the podium at State in the next couple of years.  Good kids, great families, and a genuine respect for each other is why the program is growing.  I love the Raider wrestling family.”