- 2016 Highlights
Personal Statement
I was very excited entering high school and was ready to represent my school with pride. Coming in as a freshmen at 87 pounds, I knew I had a huge challenge ahead of me knowing I was giving up 19 pounds since the first weight class at my school starts at 106. I worked hard my freshmen year and set a goal to make varsity my sophomore year. Entering my sophomore year at 100 pounds, I knew the road ahead was going to be tough one but I was determined to earn the varsity spot. Once the season started, a teammate of mine cut down to 106 pounds and we had to wrestle off. Unfortunately, I lost the first wrestle off and did not earn the 106 spot on the varsity. I took advantage of the JV spot and took every opportunity to try new moves on the mat and listened very closely to my coach’s advice to improve my technique. This obstacle created a deep desire to work hard and to keep pushing myself to be the best that I can be. Mid-way through the season, still at 100 pounds I was given another opportunity to wrestle off for the 106 spot. I stayed focused, wrestled smart, and won the first wrestle off. I had to then wrestle off again and I knew what I had to do to reach my goal. I won the wrestle off and I earned the varsity spot. Every time I stepped on the mat as a member of the Varsity team, I went out there to wrestle no matter whom I was up against and ended my season with 13-6 record and placing 4th in districts at 100 pounds. The obstacle I faced defined me as the wrestler I am today.
I'm a very dedicated wrestler on and off of the mat and I am always striving to be the best person I can be. My work ethic won't allow me to leave school practice, or club practice without a takedown and I am always challenging myself against the best kid in the club and/or the school practice room. I am a, "first one in, last one out" kind of person because I LOVE the sport of wrestling and I believe that it is the worlds greatest sport, and I see wrestling practice as the highlight of my day. There is never a day when I'm, "not feeling it" or "not in the mood." I have been told many times by my coaches throughout my career that I have a lot of heart, and it's unmeasurable, but to be honest, it's my love for the sport which drives me. My parents never make me go to club, but it's my choice to go, "above and beyond" because it makes me a better person, a more dedicated wrestler and helps me realize my dream of succeeding in my favorite sport. Off the mat, I am always working hard in school and I'm never satisfied until I know that I did the best I was able to do, and I look forward to building upon this even more in college and into adulthood, which I plan to carry throughout my life.
