Written by Cory Sparks, Sports Editor
Strength. Youth. Hunger. Indian Trail High School & Academy’s wrestling team possesses all of these attributes, and is ready to make an impact in the coming years.
When it comes to the motivation for joining the wrestling team, each wrestler has their own unique inspiration.
“My friend Leo asked me to join, and I thought it would be a good physical sport for conditioning,” said Mario Plunkett, a General Studies senior.
Self motivated or not, the wrestlers are enjoying the experience and some have developed a deep passion for the sport.
“During my first two years of high school it was fun; I had my friends to lean on during my losses and still held my head up during those times,” said David Badillo, a General Studies junior. “This year, I still have my friends, but now it’s better because I enjoy the sport.”
Along with this enjoyment of wrestling comes some controversies, both mental and physical. Sometimes, the wrestlers have to dig deep going into an unfavorable matchup.
“A lot of times your opponent is either bigger, faster, stronger or has wrestled longer, but you still have to put that excuse aside and just wrestle,” said Cole Nelson, a General Studies junior.
The odds haven’t exactly been in Indian Trail’s favor for certain portions of this season, but growth is the goal anytime a team starts over.
“The team’s performance could be better when it comes down to the overall point,” said Badillo. “We have a new coaching system and pretty much a new team.”
Introducing new wrestlers and coaching staff has offered up new possibilities of improvement, and Indian Trail’s team isn’t the only one noticing.
“Indian Trail’s wrestling program is similar to ours in that they have a young lineup,” said Devoll Sino, Franklin High School’s wrestling coach. “They have a lot of upside in a majority of their starters who have not yet reached their wrestling ceiling.”
Despite all of the recent changes, the team does have some veteran leadership who can display what it takes to be successful in this sport. Even when things aren’t looking favorable, experience and wise words kick in from varsity leaders.
“If you’re in a match and you’re down on points, you need to stay mentally strong and try to come back as fast as you can,” said Nelson.
Overall, the current wrestlers are taking in the experience and enjoying every second of competition, win or lose.
“My favorite parts are my friends, going to tournaments, and watching competitions,” said Badillo.
The combination of unity and passion for the sport ignites a thirst for competition in these players that could set the tone for the wrestling team in the coming years.