AS THE wrestling season begins, there are new opportunities to meet Lancers and grow their wrestling community. Now they must put more effort into getting locked in for every match. As their first tournament has passed, our Lancers have achieved good results and now know what they are in for and how they can improve.

Throughout the season, wrestlers are sharpening their strategies and pushing each other to do better in every match. The determination they have is highly inspirational, and with the help of students, they can achieve more success, knowing that they have people cheering them on. This enthusiasm is a sign for all Lancers to gather and support their classmates who are working hard.

The head wrestling coach, Koda Livingston, has high expectations for everyone, but he is always proud of his kids because he knows how hard they are working to get better. He gives them tips and tricks to improve and just to be better athletes, but he always makes sure they remember to be students before athletes.

“I decided I wanted to wrestle when I was in my 7th grade year, when I had no interests in sports, and I saw that there were tryouts for wrestling, and although the suits threw me off at first, the idea of doing a sport that is combat, excited me and I decided to join,” Kevin Diaz (11) said. As he progresses through the season, Diaz wants more than ever to reach his goal: improve his form and technique.

As form and technique help wrestlers win more matches, these warm-ups help them focus more and get ready to move around, just like they do in matches. Learning to warm up well is important for everyone, so you are less likely to get injured during a match.

Since this is her first year, she wants to get as many wins as possible while also improving her skills for future years. As she prepares mentally and physically for matches, Josline Duran (9) says she’s focused on rewards. “My dad promises me that he’s gonna buy me something after my matches, but warm-ups also help me.”

Getting as many wins as you can is great, but improving in every match is important, too, because if you don’t, you won’t be able to get as many wins as you want. Learning to improve is a valuable skill for wrestlers, as it helps them identify what they need to improve.

Angelica Vargas (11) balances school and practice. “It’s hard sometimes, but I’m a student before an athlete, just like how our coach tells us, but after practice, I do my schoolwork,” she said. While Vargas tries her best to win matches, she most wants to improve because it’s not all about winning — she’s just improving and growing.