By: Zyra Devera HHS 11th Grade Journalism Student
March 5th, 2025
HESPERIA HIGH SCHOOL, March 11 - On March 1, 2025 Paulo Valdez, a senior wrestler at Hesperia High School, took home a California State Medal. Valdez came in fifth at the state event that took place in Bakersfield, California.
As he concludes his high school wrestling career, Valdez has earned countless awards, capped off by his most recent achievement of finishing fifth in the State. Those awards include, but are not limited to, 4-time Mojave River League Champion, 4-time CIF Champion, 3-time Southern Section Masters Champion, 4-time CIF State Qualifier, and 3-time California State Medalist.
When interviewed, Valdez talked about the accomplishments he earned throughout his high school career, “My biggest accomplishment is being a three-time state placer, four-time CIF champion, and three-time master champion.”
Valdez is a big deal at Hesperia High School; his perseverance and endless goals push him to do more. Despite the number of awards he has earned, Valdez strives to push himself, putting in the work for substantial achievements.
“I feel good about earning those [achievements] because I feel like I put the work into earning it, but at the same time, I have bigger goals than that,” Valdez said. “I’m not satisfied with staying here, I want to elevate myself and do bigger things.”
Regardless, Valdez has always sought the highest potential in himself. From the start of his career until now, he has chosen to pursue wrestling and plans to do more in the future.
“One of my main goals [was] to be a state champion. That didn’t happen, but I ended up getting state placers three times. I’m happy with that, but I’m not satisfied with it,” he remarked. “Next is college, so I have goals for that, and I would like to fulfill those [goals].”
Valdez’s coach, Gino Griffith, provided more insight into Valdez’s determined character. Griffith has known Valdez for years, since Valdez was in fifth grade.
“[Valdez] was always a fighter; his biggest attribute that he has is his [power] to not give up,” Griffith affirmed.
Striving for excellence in sports can be hard; the fear of failure can lead to others giving up on their dreams. Take Valdez’s experience and let it inspire your own; strive for excellence in your passion.
When asked to advise those striving for goals similar to his, Valdez responded with, “Understand that there’s always work that needs to be done, you’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t believe in that work.”
There’s no doubt that a bright future lies ahead for Valdez; his love for wrestling and passion for pursuing it as a career serve as inspiration for others to strive for the best and set goals to achieve.
