The search for CIF gold is on for a number of Crawford High School winter sports teams this season.

With the season moving along for the Colts, Mensajero de College Times caught up recently with the respective head varsity coaches at the El Cerrito school.

On the wrestling mat, head coach Lorenzo Ramos is in his third year at the helm of the Colts.

“When I started here we had about six to eight wrestlers and now we have 70,” Ramos stated.

A season ago, the Colts had three kids place in CIF’s, going first, second and fifth, respectively. Crawford also had a pair of first-year wrestlers make it to California Masters. Lastly, the program also had its first-ever state placer.

According to Ramos, some key wrestlers this season look to include senior captain Abubakar Zimbo. At last check, Zimbo was undefeated on the season.

Ramos noted that junior Su Reh has been competing against CIF, masters, and state wrestlers and has beaten a lot of them.

Fellow junior Christopher Salas has wrestled heavier kids and wins. According to Ramos, Salas is favored at CIFs in his weight class.

Sophomore Phillip Huynh jumped two weight classes to help fill the roster, while senior Edwin Aguilar is reportedly favored to go all the way to states.

“We want to take CIF this year and bring Crawford its very first wrestling CIF banner ever,” Ramos added.

* In boys’ soccer action, head coach Humphrey Mahowa leads the Colts into action this winter coming off a Division IV championship a season ago. The Colts made it to the CIF semifinals and were undefeated league champions and Grossmont Tournament winners. League play for Crawford is set to get underway Jan. 10.

Heading into this season, Mahowa noted he will look to key players including junior forward Christian Quezada (CIF Player of Year for 2021-22 season), senior forward Jamesley Exantus, junior forward Samuel Ruiz, sophomore forward Kervens Chery, junior midfielder Michael Masimango, junior defender Alan Fierros, junior midfielder Abdullahi Sharif, senior defender Hamad Sharif and senior defender Haji Musa.

“Our goals this season are to demonstrate the attributes of top student-athletes by attaining team GPA of 3.25 or above, emphasis on sportsmanship in respecting opponents and officials, and hard work,” Mahowa commented. As Mahowa sees it, “There is no substitute for hard work. The best athletes in the world are the most hardworking. Talent is not enough.”

* In girls’ soccer play, Crawford went 1-9 last season.

Under head coach Ray Parris, the Lady Colts battled a lot of injuries a season ago, having an impact as they missed key players in a number of games.

Things look brighter this season as the team had gotten off to a 3-2 start.

“We have been working hard during this year by having many of the players commit to summer practices,” Parris stated.

Parris added some key players that have helped the team develop include Valeria Alvarado, Kimberly Gonzalez, Kimberly Haro, Mwamini Shabani and Maua Mloko.

“Some quotes we have established for this season is ‘The word CAN’T be used on the field.’ Also, we have the girls working on patience because they get really anxious during practice and gamedays,” Parris noted.

* In girls’ basketball action, head coach Dave Lockett’s team headed into play last week with a mark of 4-8.

“We are playing higher divisions to get us ready for our league schedule,” Lockett remarked. “We made it to the playoff last season but were eliminated in the first round against a great Granite Hills team. The season before last we were number two and co-league champs. We also ended up being put up one division from Division V to Division IV.”

According to Lockett, some key players for the Lady Colts this season include two sisters.

Fardawsa Abdi is a senior shooting guard and Fatuma Abdi, a sophomore, plays forward and guard.

“They both are great shooters and really set the pace of the team,” Lockett commented. “With the addition of my great defender Ana Maria and Blossom Bess our record should change for the better.”

Lockett added that he is trying to help the team understand that they need to play team basketball.

“We can’t win with out sharing the ball,” Lockett added. “But win or lose, always play with respect and integrity on the court.”

* In boys’ basketball play, the Colts under head coach Ed Baskin headed into action last week with a record of 3-7 in Division III.

A season ago, Crawford went 17-9 and was a CIF semifinalist and Central League co-champs (Division IV). The season before, the Colts were 13-8 and CIF champs in Division V.

In June of 2022, the team was devastated with the death of senior Woodlain Zachee (pictured on left).

Zachee drowned at Mission Beach while celebrating his graduation with friends. Two of Zachee’s friends with him in the ocean at the time were rescued but Zachee never resurfaced after getting caught in a rip current.

Baskin noted some key players this season include senior power forward Hasani Battle and sophomore shooting guard Tico Kirk-Patrick.

“After the death of our star player (Woodlain Zachee) following last season, our ‘life’ goal is to always be where you’re supposed to be,” Baskin said. “Your true character will always appear when faced with adversity. Defense requires effort, playing time is measured by defense.”

Editor’s note: Girls’ basketball photos courtesy of Daunte Rogers – instagram.com/piecebypmedia/