Not long ago, the wrestling room at Chavez High School was quiet, short on numbers, recognition, and postseason conversation.
Today, it hums with energy, purpose, and belief. Under the steady leadership of head coach Elvis Davis Jr., the Lobos have transformed a once-overlooked program into one of the fastest-rising wrestling teams in the region, making history with back-to-back regional qualifiers and laying a foundation that shows no signs of slowing.
When Davis first arrived at Chavez, he noticed the athletes were technically sound and understood the fundamentals, but lacked the cohesion needed to bring it all together.
“My focus was to build on that foundation through relentless effort, hard work, and a daily mindset that challenged the students. Being good wasn’t good enough. I wanted them to strive for excellence.”
Coach Elvis Davis Jr.
“My focus was to build on that foundation through relentless effort, hard work, and a daily mindset that challenged the students,” said Davis. “Being good wasn’t good enough. I wanted them to strive for excellence.”
With low numbers, limited resources, and low buy-in, that shift in mentality became the critical starting point for the program’s growth.
“Getting athletes to believe took time,” said Davis. “But once the culture began to change, everything else followed.”
Because the roster was initially small, Chavez didn’t have enough athletes to field a junior varsity team. That shortage forced inexperienced wrestlers to face more seasoned opponents earlier than expected.
“Not having a JV team forced our athletes to mature quickly,” said Davis. “Many of them had little to no wrestling experience and were competing against opponents who already had several matches under their belts. I give a lot of credit to my athletes. They never complained and took the challenge head-on. That experience built toughness, resilience, and mental strength that still endure in our program today.”
Those early challenges could have stalled the program altogether. Instead, they became the catalyst for a cultural shift that soon produced results Chavez had never seen before, beginning with Bayardo Arauz Jr.’s regional qualification in 2024.
“Bayardo qualifying for regionals in 2024 was a major turning point,” said Davis. “It showed our athletes that success was possible at Chavez. That moment changed beliefs not only for the wrestlers but also for the school and the community.”
The momentum carried into 2025, when Chavez sent back-to-back wrestlers to regionals for the first time in school history, with Carlos Castillo qualifying.
“Carlos qualifying in 2025 proved that Bayardo’s success wasn’t a one-time thing,” said Davis. “It showed consistency, and that’s when we knew we were building something sustainable, not just having a lucky season.”
For Chavez, senior wrestler and team captain Zachery Cooper, those achievements became tangible motivation.
“I felt, if they could go, why couldn’t we?” said Cooper. “Going further, we began to believe, and we gave our all until we couldn’t anymore.”
History had been made, but the coaching staff knew that one or two standout performances wouldn’t sustain long-term success. The next step was to build depth.
“Growth came from visibility, success, and culture,” said Davis. “Kids saw opportunity, structure, and support. Word spread that Chavez wrestling was serious about its craft and that athletes were being developed the right way.”
Soon after, the program grew from 21 athletes to more than 40 athletes in a single season.
“Establishing a JV pipeline was huge for our program,” said Davis. “It allowed athletes to develop fundamentals, gain valuable match experience, and build confidence without the immediate pressure of varsity competition. It also created depth and strengthened our varsity lineup because athletes came in prepared, not rushed.”
“More students began to have faith in Chavez wrestling because they saw the program we were trying to build and could see the courage it took to be a Chavez wrestler,” said senior wrestler and team captain Valerie Rivera. “We were bringing medals home, putting in the work, showing good sportsmanship, and bonding as a family.”
As numbers rose and competition intensified in the room, leadership began to emerge not only from the coaching staff but also from the athletes themselves.
“Being Captain means a lot to me,” said Cooper. “I’m blessed the Lord gave me the chance to be captain this year, and I’m doing my best to push the other wrestlers to be more aggressive and assertive.”
“Younger wrestlers are nervous when they first try wrestling, but I try to encourage them because it’s a fun sport,” said Rivera. “It takes dedication, determination, and aggressiveness on the mat to win. You have to want the win more than the other person, no matter how good they are. We try to slowly push younger wrestlers not to be scared and drill more intensely with teammates, learn new techniques, and build confidence.”
Sophomore wrestler Aileen Rueda has felt the difference in a room that is becoming increasingly competitive.
“Every year, I am pleasantly surprised by the number of women in my weight class because the sport has become so popular, and that fills me with a sense of pride that I get to take part in something so empowering,” said Rueda.
That leadership has translated into confidence, and that confidence has shown early this season. Chavez has already brought home one gold medal and three bronze medals.
“Winning those medals shows we’re no longer just competing; we’re contending,” said Davis. “Those medals reflect discipline, buy-in, and consistency. They show the work is paying off and that Chavez’s wrestling program is moving toward competing with the best to achieve greatness.”
Early success has reinforced belief throughout the program.
“Winning is a great feeling, especially in a school and community that doesn’t typically believe in ‘Lobo Wrestling,’ said Rivera. “This motivates me greatly to push my team and encourage them to put on a show. I am very thankful and blessed to be a part of this program.”
For Chavez wrestling, medals matter, but they aren’t the end goal.
“Our athletes wrestle with pride, toughness, and heart,” said Davis. “They represent resilience and growth. Every time they step on the mat, they represent their school, their families, and their community.”
“The community has been very supportive,” said Davis. “Recognition is growing. We’re seeing students from our feeder-pattern schools, Stevenson Middle School and Ortiz Middle School, come to Chavez specifically to wrestle, and I’m now coaching younger brothers and sisters of former wrestlers, which speaks volumes. It shows that families trust the program and believe we’re doing the right things. That support motivates our athletes even more.”
“I hope younger students see not only a team but a family,” said Rueda. “This team has always held a special place in my heart because during the season, you get to see each other grow, overcome challenges, and achieve. An environment can make or break a team, so I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of such an amazing team throughout my high school years.”
As the Lobos continue to grow, one thing is clear: their story is only just beginning.
“Success goes far beyond wins and medals,” said Davis. “It’s about accountability, discipline, academic progress, and personal growth. It’s about building young men and women who are confident, respectful, and prepared for life after high school. I want these kids to become successful, intelligent individuals and well-rounded citizens who can positively contribute to their communities long after their wrestling careers are over.”
