Antonio Padilla '23 Recruiting Profile

When I think of wrestling, I think about the greats who are capable of completely throwing men much larger than themselves across the mat. I think about all those collegiate matches where men toss and turn in complete whirlwinds, in an impressive human metamorphosis, contorting themselves in the most awe inspiring way. When I hop on the mat, I hope to be one of those men. Much like men who want to achieve great things, I like to believe I have a strong determination: I’m relentless in my pursuit of a goal, push myself, and going beyond what's necessary for me. When I have free time, I don’t just “chill.” I want to do difficult things, things that shape who I am. In these aspects, I am extreme: extremely awesome. 

Relatedly, the reason I wrestle is because I love the competition, the physical and mental challenge, the discipline, and the needed will to be persistent. Another motivation is my family: males in my family have wrestled and I want to fulfill my dreams, and likewise of my family, to be the first to make it into University, studying to become a better person contributing to society. This translates well on the mat. Like in my freshman year, if I have to pop a shoulder to keep fighting, I will. Just so you know, my shoulder's fine as of now... along with my ankles and knees. I also like to think that I’m a very rare case of wrestlers who likes to show compassion to their opponents, likes to take lessons from them when defeated, and likes building relationships with them while somehow also being ruthless and demonic when it’s game time. 

I know you're probably looking at my profile thinking to yourself  "this kid doesn't have a lot going for him.”  While I may not have the experience as other wrestlers, I hope you're willing to take that risk.If you give me the chance, I will take it as if my life depended on it. I may not be the biggest, baddest, toughest wrestler out there, but I have the heart, will, and -to mention-  the competence that makes me an athletic nerd. Ask anyone in my school and they will tell you I’m the hardest worker: always running to somewhere and involved in so many things. Hopefully, next time a person says that, it would be because I’m heading towards your gym. 

- Antonio Padilla from Eric Solorio Academy.