Delta High School’s boys’ wrestling team has officially upgraded its dress code from the original green one-piece singlets and protective headgear to include lucha libre masks, mandatory for all matches and state events. 

“Not only is this upgrade beneficial for making the wrestling team look a lot cooler than their opponents, but it also embraces traditional values,” said Luis Meza, boys’ wrestling coach. 

Originating in Mexico, lucha libre masks were used in wrestling to preserve a wrestler’s identity while also serving as a costume. A wrestler pulling one off their opponent during a match is an immediate disqualification because of the intended, malicious revelation of the face; DHS also intends to add said rule to the list in addition to the dress code.

“It’s a great change. Even the coaches are in on it,” said Meza.

The new rules — despite being a big change to the wrestling team — have been adapted to fairly well by the other teams and the rest of DHS. Athletes have expressed their excitement about the new change, especially since adopting a new lucha libre mask comes with a new identity, just like the real wrestlers on television. Taking on new names like ‘Pantera Fuerte’ — Strong Panther — and more gives these athletes more confidence in matches against even their toughest opponents. 

“I love the masks. I love being able to have my own second personality with it when I wrestle,” said Alex McKenna, a top wrestler at DHS.

Wrestler Rey Mysterio, a professional in the WWE, has proved in multiple interviews that his matches wearing his famous lucha libre mask helped him win more than after he took it off on Feb 21, 1999.

“It’s like my own lucky charm,” said Mysterio. “Without it, I could not perform as I do; I can’t live without my lucha libre mask.”