As we trudge closer and closer to the end of the first semester, both girls’ and boys’ wrestling teams are hustling toward their third home meet. The Mustang Super Duals will be held tomorrow, starting at 9am featuring the attendance of both teams.
“This is the biggest meet because it’s at home,” Sorvino Chansiri, junior, said. “We gotta represent Munster and our school. Our girl wrestlers are also wrestling in it that day. I can’t wrestle because I have a concussion from practice, but I’m excited for my team.”
Our wrestlers put their best foot forward, taking inspiration from each other.
“Before meets, coach Slosser would give us a speech to hype us up.” Chansiri said.
Pep talks and prizes fuel the wrestlers to try their very best.
“What motivates me is working to be one of the best, and being better than the boys,” Mya Ceja, freshman, said. “Also, our coach says if we make it to Regionals, he’ll take us out to dinner, and I want to eat.”
Although victory meals taste like a win, the team does not go by unscathed, players say. After school practice along with specific training can be a lot to handle. “I don’t get home until around six most nights. Quitting is always a thought but I could never do it.” said Mya. The boy’s and girl’s wrestlers train hard, working on Cardio, live wrestling, and special techniques.
“My biggest opponent is my friend Anthony (Parades). We were in the same weight class last year and this year,” Chansiri said. “Sometimes I get jealous, but most of the time I’m really proud of him. He’s like my brother.”
Wrestling can be quite a challenge, but players say that support from coaches and teammates is what compels the team to keep tussling.
“I think the biggest struggle with the sport is just the mental part of it and not giving up when you’re tired.” Joey Bartusiak, senior, said. “I motivate myself by thinking of times I’ve lost. I hate losing and I just want to get better along with my teammates by pushing them in practice.”
As much as each individual improves, the connections that the team has formed between wrestlers are what truly pulls them together.
“I’ve definitely formed a connection with the sport. My dad wrestled and I had a few friends on the team in 8th grade,” Bartusiak said. “I’ve made a lot of friends and made connections with new people.”
