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What is wrestling?
"Wrestling is the art of physical control," says assistant coach Colin Ikeda. "It's a test of technique, strength, stamina, flexibility, and perserverance. To be a good wrestler, you need not only technique and strength, but also mental prowess."
Junior Sam berry, who has been wrestling since his freshman year, is now captain of the team. "Wrestling is a good way to channel your energy to something positive," he says. "But wrestling is more than just an individual sport, it is also a team sport where you support one another."
Head coach Denise Lee also views wrestling as a sport that requires a strong mentality. "When you're on the mat and wrestling against the opponent, it's like wrestling the world," she said.
The wrestling team ims improving, marking up a recent victory after beginning their season with two losses.
On Feb. 3, the team went up against the Mission Bears, winning 48-29.
Junior Jacob Clinton thought the Mission meet was a good rebound for the team after their loss to Washington on Jan. 29. "We have a relatively inexperienced team compared to Washington, but we have some very committed first-year wrestlers, which is good for the team's future," Clinton said.
The team lost 30-43 to Galileo on Jan. 22. One week later, on Jan. 29, the team went up against the Washington Eagles. The Cardinals were annihilated by a score of 3-54, but despite the loss, the team is continuing to push forward.
The team is more than determined to keep working hard after these losses. These past games have made the team come together to improve. "We're a family," Berry said.
The team is currently focusing on a move series called "snap, crackle, pop," according to Clinton. The wrestler pushes the opponent and snaps him down by the top of the head and then shoots in on him, performing a basic move in which the wrestler lowers himself to the ground and darts into the opponent's body, catching his legs and throwing him to the ground.
The team is also reaping the benefits of guest coach and former wrestler Jacob Berry. Jacob Verry, who was an all-city winner and wrestler himself, comes to practices on random occasions and teaches the team fundamentals that they can apply to their matches.
Come watch the team apply this new and nearaly unstoppable combination of moves and their fierce determination as they attempt to grapple their way to the top at 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 25 at O'Connell against the Boilermakers.
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