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Six wrestlers competed at the state meet on the weekend of Feb. 17 at the Berry Center in Houston. Two wrestlers placed, sophomore Taylor Martell for the first time in 4th, and junior Charlie Freese for the second year in a row placed 5th.
“I am happy I placed,” Freese said. “Even though it’s not the place I wanted, I’m still grateful that I placed it at all.”
The other four wrestlers, junior Daemian Rivas, sophomore Jordan Winfree, sophomore Sayler Siters, and sophomore Kaiden Fernandez practiced every day for over an hour and a half, and many putting in extra work to better themselves, and not just physically. Wrestling can also be mentally tiring, so having a healthy mindset is important for those who do the sport.
“My goal for next year is to fix my mindset and win state,” Martell said.
The team has also been focusing on their endurance and strength by doing a mix of running and cross-training. Having higher endurance and strength can help them last longer in matches and help them overpower their opponent.
“I plan to get stronger, faster, and better with my technique to win,” Freese said.
The wrestlers have been heavily motivated throughout the season, by friends, family, and coaches. This sport can be mentally straining so having support from loved ones and close people helps boost their morale.
“I was motivated by wanting to win to make history for our school in wrestling,” Freese said.
Though wrestling is officially over, there is club practice for wrestlers who want to prepare for next year. These students want to continue to push themselves even when no one is watching and to become better for next year.
“We don’t have practice, but I have club practice,” Martell said.
The team is also setting group and individual goals for next year to prepare themselves for the next season. Having goals in mind helps keep the team members motivated to work harder every day.
“My goal next year is to have an undefeated season and win the state tournament,” Freese said.
Assistant wrestling coach Elma Garnett is incredibly proud of her players, as wrestling is a very mentally and taxing sport and they have worked very hard to get where they are today.
“This sport is humbling for sure,” Garnett said. “I have so much respect for our wrestlers and am very proud of all the work they put in this year.”
