Wrestling has been a dream of mine since before high school even started. I was excited to join the team, knowing it was finally my chance to experience the sport. However, my first few weeks of training were anything but easy. With a background in Jiu-Jitsu, where I’ve trained for three years, I quickly realized that wrestling required me to think completely differently. In Jiu-Jitsu, being on your back is a common and sometimes advantageous position—but in wrestling, it’s the exact opposite. I had to rewire my instincts from the ground up.

To improve, I watched a lot of NCAA college wrestling and committed myself to learning as much as possible during every practice. I’ve also been lucky to have incredible teammates who inspire and push me forward. Jason Henry, Trevor Early, and Lizjon Cocka have been some of my biggest influences and supporters, helping me grow and adjust to the sport.

When I started competing, I didn’t know much about the rules or how points were scored, but with every meet, I learned a little more. My first competition was an eye-opener. I lost my first match and thought that was it—until I realized wrestling tournaments required me to battle through multiple matches. That day, I fought my way back through the bracket and even got a rematch against the opponent who had originally beaten me. This time, I won, securing third place in my very first competition.

One of my best moments this season was at a dual meet at Whitman-Hanson High School. I was losing—by more than I care to admit—but I didn’t give up. I kept pushing, looking for an opportunity, and then I found it. I pinned my opponent, pulling off a huge comeback. Moments like that remind me why I love this sport.

Wrestling has been a steep learning curve, but I’ve been fortunate to have amazing coaches and teammates who are always willing to teach me. Coach Markgren, Coach Early, and Coach Perry have been instrumental in my growth, constantly pushing me to be better.

Sectionals were absolutely insane—I never expected to place fourth. Heading into All-States, I was nervous and afraid of injuring my hand further. I have a fractured hand that would take about ten days to heal, and in the back of my mind, I didn’t want to make it worse. My first match was against an experienced senior wrestler who already had 150 wins before sectionals. I wasn’t even mad that I lost to him—I was happy to have the opportunity to wrestle with someone with his level of skill and experience. My second match was against a wrestler I had already beaten at sectionals, and I managed to win again, giving me the chance to advance to the next day at All-States.

On Saturday morning, I returned for the second day of competition, but unfortunately, I lost to a senior wrestler from Longmeadow. That marked the end of my participation at All-States. 

Overall, my experience at All-States was incredible. It made me reflect on my place in the sport and reinforced the importance of never giving up. Even though I’m just a freshman, I have already achieved more than I expected. There is always room to push a little harder and continue improving. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far, with a record of 36 wins and 12 losses, but I know there’s still a lot to learn and improve on.