Can’t Beat This Bearcathlete

This senior Lady Bearcat excels in her chosen athletics of Women’s Wrestling.

Mariyah Ortiz, Blind Date Editor • March 19, 2025

“DeLaCruz made history by becoming the first female Bearcat wrestler to qualify for the state meet, finishing fourth in the (Central) section,” wrestling Coach Nate Ybarra reported.

After her performance at the Central Section Masters Tournament at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California the weekend of Feb. 21 and 22, senior Dennise DeLaCruz secured a spot at the state competition by ranking 4th in the Central Section and top 32 in the state.

This Lady Bearcathlete has been wrestling since her freshman year and hopes to continue through her passion as she goes through college. She was one the first ever female wrestlers at PRHS, signing up and starting her career as the school got behind female wrestling.

Senior Denisse DeLaCruz Lopez pinning her opponent at the Central Section Masters Tournament in February.

Wednesday Feb 26, DeLaCruz departed on her journey to the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California to face her first opponent of the state competition, Trinity Tipton of Camarillo High School located south in Lompoc, California. DeLaCruz unfortunately took a 0-3 loss at state, but still performed excellently throughout the span of her final high school season.

Photos provided by Nate Ybarra.

Donate to Crimson Newsmagazine

Your donation will support the student journalists of Paso Robles High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

About the Contributor

Mariyah Ortiz, Blind Date Editor

Sophomore Mariyah Ortiz is the Blind Date editor of Crimson Newsmagazine. This is her first year in Crimson, and her highlight of the class is photography editing, specifically sports and student involvement. Ortiz involves herself in sports, as well, including basketball and diving.