Jacob Cava (12) cemented his legacy on the school’s varsity wrestling team with an impressive season. Named the March male Athlete of the Month, Cava’s hard work and dedication to the sport earned him success throughout his last season.
Cava has been wrestling since fourth grade, inspired by his older brother, Michael Cava (’20). Jacob joined the Parma Valley Rebels Club and continued with the Cathedral Catholic High School team during middle school. Transitioning to high school, Jacob continued his wrestling journey at the school starting his freshman year and has been playing for four years.
The past season “[was] historical, as we won the league championship for the second time and finished third in CIF Division I and fifth overall in San Diego,” according to Jacob.
This past season, Jacob (106-lbs) lost in the Round of 64 of the 2025 CIF State Wrestling Championships bracket to Samuel Sanchez (9) from Esperanza High School. After, he won two matches in consolation, against Antonio Garaventa from Windsor High School and Caleb Cisneros from Selma High School, before losing in the consolation of round 16 to #2 ranked, Julius Villamil, from Poway High School.
Varsity wrestling head coach Micheal Bigrigg shared insights into Jacob’s impact on the school’s wrestling program, praising his athletic ability, leadership and character.
“Jacob is just such a good kid, he is so responsible and mature and is truly a mentor to all of his teammates,” Bigrigg said.
Having coached Jacob for four years, Bigrigg emphasized the consistency, dedication and respect he commands from both teammates and coaches.
“Jacob really understands his role as team captain and is constantly pushing himself and his teammates,” Bigrigg said. “He has made a profound impact on our team as a person and a wrestler.”
Jacob’s achievements include placing third and fourth at the San Diego Masters Tournament during the season and competing at the 2025 NMAA (NM) Girls & Boys State Wrestling Championships. Beyond his tangible successes, Bigrigg described Jacob as an exceptional leader, noting his ability to set the tone in practice.
“He’s more than a natural leader — whatever he does, people follow him,” Bigrigg said. “He has such a strong sense of integrity. I’ve never met a high schooler as mature as Jake. His peers don’t look down on it — they respect him for it.”
Outside of practice, Jacob focuses on his diet and mental preparation.
“I make sure to eat well and drink a lot of water to keep my weight class in order,” Jacob said. “I also make sure not to focus a lot on the match and just relax before. I try not to stress myself out mentally. I sometimes go out with friends.”
Jacob has served as team captain for the past three years, helping lead the team to historic accomplishments, including a victory over La Costa Canyon this past season.
“We won against LCC for the first time in school history which means a lot to all of the seniors,” Jacob said.
Regarding the future, Bigrigg expressed confidence in Jacob’s ability to succeed beyond high school.
“I’ve told him to chase what he wants, not what someone else wants for him,” Bigrigg said. “He’s such a hard worker — I have no doubt he’ll find success in whatever he chooses.”
