Both wrestling teams are in the thick of their season and are adapting to the challenges, both mentally and physically. They are also enjoying the successes they encounter, which have a way of bringing the team closer together.
Wrestling at Wilsonville High School is more than just a sport. The program exemplifies strength, grit, teamwork, and the aspiration for excellence. The wrestling team, both girls and boys, have strengthened their community while also strengthening themselves physically and mentally.
The wrestling team this season has a lot of new players, which means the more experienced players are taking on the role of guiding them into the daily routines that wrestling consists of.
Boys wrestler Charlie Middleton says, “They are all sticking together through it and grinding away.” The new players have adapted to the environment and have taken on their role for the team. This has helped them step up their game and gain new skills from the sport.
The wrestling season this year also calls for the evolution of a stronger community and tighter bond between the players. Girls wrestler Kehau Kealoha says, “We have stronger team chemistry and we are closer as a team, like a family.”
As the players grow together through the challenges and the successes, they are sticking together as a unit, and adapting to the struggles they may face together. The new additions to the team, along with the returning players, have found their way together on and off the mat.
All players need to have each others’ backs due to the mental and physical aspects of the sport. Managing weight, strengthening their stamina, and preparing for the state competition can be challenging for athletes to deal with on their own, so having a supportive community to rely on can positively impact the athletes.
Kealoha mentions, “Wrestling pushes me past my limits, it strengthens me physically but mainly mentally.” Being able to push through the mental and physical blocks that come with wrestling is important, and doing it with lots of support behind you is even more valuable.
A good support system also comes with good coaches. Boys head coach Jason Milham and girls head coach Tony Ruvalcaba have done a good job guiding the team to success at the season’s early stages.
Middleton mentions, “The coaches constantly show up for us and push us to our full potential.” The coaches are continuously finding ways to better their athletes. The coaches are constantly giving them new drills and things to work on so that their game is at its best on the mat.
Kealoha adds, “Most importantly our coaches want us to stay up to date with our work, knowing that school comes first.” Sports are important, but the coaches want their athletes to be successful in the classroom first.
As the season continues, both the girls’ and boys’ teams have goals to stay strong throughout the season and prepare for districts and state. The coaches are challenging them to their full potential every day, along with creating a supportive environment for all athletes.
Both girls’ and boys’ teams will continue their game on the mat at upcoming meets. With their goals in the back of their minds and enduring their success on the mat, both teams are looking forward to the more achievements this season will bring.