Brawley honors championship teams

Brawley honors their volleyball, wrestling and robotics teams for their accomplishments this year.

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Brawley Union High School held a special ceremony today to honor the accomplishments of their volleyball, wrestling and robotics teams.

This fall Brawley's girl's volleyball team captured its first CIF San Diego Section championship since 1979. The Wildcats' unforgettable postseason run carried them all the way to the Southern Regional semifinals.

On Thursday, the team relived that magical journey as they received their long-awaited championship rings in front of their peers, coaches, and proud families.

Head Coach Lindsay Rubin was also recognized for her leadership and dedication, having recently been named one of just 14 coaches statewide to receive the CIF State Model Coach of the Year honor.

"We're so connected, had great chemistry, and set goals together," Rubin said. "There was not a lot of or not any um girls that were playing individually. They were all playing for the same common goal. Playing like a family was our motto and they really lived it."

The ceremony also highlighted the continued dominance of Brawley's wrestling programs. The boys team captured their 24th consecutive CIF San Diego Section title, extending one of the longest-running dynasties in the region.

One of the Wildcats leading the way on the mats was junior Ricardo Ortiz who finished eightth at the state meet.

"It was pretty crazy," Ortiz recalled. "It was a big arena and just a bunch of people yelling, screaming just the energy was all there was just a bunch of pressure, but I didn't put any on me just went out there and have fun."

"We have a good group of kids that and year round they're in the room," Brawley head wrestling coach Sawyer Smith said. "After practice they're not done. They're living the right lifestyle. They're getting extra work and these guys have long term goals. They want to wrestle in college. They want to wrestle for a world team."

The girls wrestling team was also recognized after winning a CIF championship of their own, with standout Lauren Zaragoza going on to win a state title. (For more on Zaragoza's story, visit here.)

Brawley's robotics team also earned major recognition, taking home a Rookie All-Star Award for their impressive achievements for their innovative and competitive robot design.