Personal Statement
Becoming part of a wrestling program with a rich history is something that I can always look back on and appreciate. It was not without sacrifice though; sacrifice which I have learned to love and embrace. In order to become a varsity starter and an anchor on my team, I had get outside of my comfort zone and loose close to 30 pounds. Though it sounded impossible at the time, I knew if I did it and did it right, my potential would be myriad. With hard work, such as weighing and preparing my own food, to running in the morning and at night when necessary, I was able to reach my goal and become a varsity starter. After winning a league title, I had reached CIF, Masters, and eventually the prestigious California State Tournament. In fact, I was the only wrestler from Orange County, California in my weight class to reach the State tournament and it was because of this, amongst other things, that I earned first team all county honors. My success on the mat this season has also translated to success in the classroom. Not only have my grades steadily increased, but I have the highest GPA on the team, and as a Captain, I'm always pushing my teammates to strive for more.
Based upon my conversations with collegiate wrestlers who've returned to our wrestling room in the off season, I understand and appreciate that the demands of being a student athlete in college far exceed the demands placed upon me in high school. These returning wrestlers convey, however, and I agree, that the academic and athletic training I have received as a student athlete at Calvary Chapel have created a foundation upon which a collegiate athlete can be molded. I am an influential leader on my team, and when I have earned the right, I know I can be one on yours.