Three of Oakdale High School’s decorated senior wrestlers have signed their letters of intent to compete in college. Seth Borba, Clayton Bashor and Brayden Abell have all decided to continue both their wrestling careers as well as their education.
Borba will be attending Menlo College in Atherton, California. During his time in the Mustang program Borba was a two-time state qualifier where he placed seventh in 2019.
“My junior year was the best. Our team full of mostly juniors and other underclassmen, we did not have many seniors. We accomplished so much. The best was winning the CIF Section Duals as a team. Unbelievable event,” recalled Borba.
He has maintained a positive attitude during the pandemic. He keeps himself busy with working out in his backyard and runs on his treadmill.
“You have to try and stay positive, and in shape. You have to complete the grind.”
He is undecided on what he will be majoring in while at Menlo College. He will most likely be competing in the 157-weight class division. Borba thanked his teammates, coaches and parents who have helped pave the way for his success over the years.
Bashor is taking his talents to Pennsylvania where he will wrestle and study at Edinboro University. He will be majoring in computer science.
“I was fortunate enough to visit the campus a few years ago and I really loved it. It’s a very unique wrestling culture there and I am excited to be a part of it,” said Bashor of his future home.
He also said that the pandemic has not slowed him down in his quest for future success. “I have always considered myself as a self-motivator. I stay focused and know what my goals are, not just on a daily basis but I have long-term goals that I have dialed in.”
During his high school career with the Mustangs, he was a three-time state qualifier.
“Qualifying for state is an amazing accomplishment and I will cherish it. I would say qualifying my freshman year will stick with me forever. It was a great feeling. I also want to acknowledge our team Section Dual win. That will be my favorite and most memorable moment as a team.”
Bashor has advice for the underclassmen at Oakdale High School when they return to action: “Buy into the program, trust the process.” Bashor will most likely be competing at the 133-pound weight class division. He offered thanks to his parents, coaches, family, friends and supporters for helping him achieve his goals thus far.
Abell, a three-time state qualifier, will be attending Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, feeling like this was the best fit for him.
“I feel like this (the military) is what I needed. This will help me better my skills and education as well.”
At Oakdale, Abell placed twice at the state championship. His sophomore year he placed fourth and earned a sixth place finish his junior year.
“I will always look back and enjoy my time at Oakdale High School and the wrestling program,” he said.
Wrestling for Abell has helped him stay focused and motivated.
“This is the ultimate sport. It holds you as an individual accountable; unless it is a dual or something.”
Abell wanted to thank his family, coaches and friends for helping him reach his goals.