Wrestling team combines technique and grit
In his first win, freshman Luke Albanese takes down a Weymouth opponent.
January 19, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n91WaYwXIBg
Grit: the first word that comes into people’s minds when they think of wrestling. It is exactly what you will need in this sport other than a pair of good wrestling shoes. Wrestling is not only about knockdowns and learning special techniques to hurdle people into the corner, but also about striving to score points for your team, which all depends on how many times your opponent gets controlled and taken down on the mat.
According to sophomore Abe Spurlock, wrestling practices start off with a warm-up and are followed by technique training where new skills are introduced. Lastly, athletes are given the opportunity to test out and practice what they have been taught during live drills.
“The first thing on our schedule is warm-up and that’s when we loosen ourselves. Then we have techniques, which is important for us because it allows us to incorporate much of our strengths into skills that will be useful to face our opponents with during the meets,” Spurlock said. “The best part about it is that we get to practice it during live drilling.”
According to Spurlock, his favorite part of the sport is getting to spend time with teammates.
“Some guys really love competition, and when you get your hand raised in the air after winning a match it feels awesome, but the best part for me is the social aspect, getting to know people who are working for the same goal as I am,” Spurlock said.
For sophomore Josh Rotenburg, one of the challenges that he constantly faces is getting into shape.
“I am not in perfect shape, so sometimes I cannot fully keep up,” Rotenburg said. “There are days when frustration kicks in and you leave practice angry. But I just come back the next day ready to work and get better, and no matter what, my team supports me through it.”
Spurlock said that the same applies for him.
“Cutting weight is really hard. It’s hard to lose weight and stay healthy at the same time. Wrestling even though you have a minor injury is tough too, because your team is counting on you and you can’t take a day off, and also how personal the sport is. You go out there, in front of everyone, not wearing a lot, and wrestle some dude. That can be hard for some people,” Spurlock said.
According to junior Atman Barrile, wrestling played an important role in teaching him how to work through difficult situations.
“Wrestling has taught me to persevere through anything, no matter how hard or challenging,” Barrille said.
Spurlock said that despite the difficulties, wrestling is worth the hard work.
“Wrestling is a tough sport, but you take out what you put in. The people who return every season work hard and get better at it,” said Spurlock. “The people who slack don’t come back.”
