Wrestling off to a strong start

*This is a three part story*

By Angela Neubeck/Danielle Perez/Danielle Calvin-Bowsky Reporters/Photographers

Part One: “Wrestling Team Builds Strength” Crete Monee High School's wrestling team helps keep kids in line and build strength. 

By Angela Neubeck

They have routine warm-ups, which consist of running and stretching. The coach has someone help him demonstrate what they will do that day, and then they proceed with practice. 

Some people started wrestling to work on themselves, such as their strength and motivation. Others began wrestling for the experience, and to wrestle; everyone has their reasons for choosing to be a part of the wrestling team.

"This is my first year going into the wrestling season, and I have enjoyed it so far. I decided I was going to do wrestling to help with football. It's going to build up my strength and my consistency. It has helped so far. I can already see a change," said Sophomore Braylon Charles. 

The team had its first tournament at Bradley Bourbonnais on Tuesday, Nov. 21. The group was dedicated to preparing for the game and putting in as much effort as they could to be ready to compete to the best of their abilities. 

Each student has been preparing for the tournament by showing up Monday through Friday and performing their best at practice. This is their first match for some kids, so they set high expectations for themselves. For others, it might be their tenth or twentieth match, and they know what to expect.

"I am ready to compete on Tuesday, but as it is my first year. I might be under-experienced, but I have been trying to show my team and coach that I am ready to win this tournament," said Sophomore Zakai Darden.

The team put in a lot of hard work for their match and will keep up the hard work and dedication for their future matches. 

 "I was mentally preparing myself to compete in the tournament. I kept a positive mindset and told myself I could do this and win. I think that helped me perform to the best of my abilities. If I had to say one thing, I would tell them to keep their head up no matter what,” said Sophomore Elijah Kruger.

Part Two: “Gearing up for an Exciting Season”

By Danielle Perez

Crete Monee High School's wrestling team is gearing up for an exciting season with renewed enthusiasm, as expressed by key team members Braylon Charles and Zakai Darden. 

 "It's my first year, but I'm very excited and ready to wrestle," Charles said.

Sophomore Zakai Darden echoed the sentiment, highlighting the dual benefits of wrestling for him. 

"I want to wrestle because it helps with football, and I can keep in shape," Darden explained. 

His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition and honing skills that transfer across sports reflects the commitment of Crete Monee's student-athletes. 

The team's spirit is palpable as they embark on a journey filled with determination and a collective goal of success on the wrestling mat. The palpable energy within the team suggests that this season holds promise for the Crete Monee wrestling program.

The anticipation among the wrestlers is complemented by their work ethic and dedication during practice sessions. The training regimen is rigorous, emphasizing both physical conditioning and skill development. The collective goal is not just success in individual matches but also fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship within the team.

 Crete Monee High School has a rich history in athletics, and the wrestling team is eager to contribute to that legacy. With the enthusiasm of newcomers like Braylon Charles and Zakai Darden, the team is poised for a successful season. The wrestlers are not just focused on personal achievements but are committed to supporting each other and working towards a common objective.

 As the season unfolds, fans and supporters can expect thrilling matches and displays of athleticism from the Crete Monee wrestling team. The echoes of excitement from these dedicated student-athletes set the stage for a memorable season, filled with hard-fought victories and a sense of pride for the entire school community. 

In conclusion, the Crete Monee wrestling team enters the season with a palpable energy fueled by the passion and dedication of athletes like Braylon Charles and Zakai Darden. Their commitment to the sport, coupled with the collective determination of the team, paints a promising picture for an exhilarating wrestling season at Crete Monee High School.

“Part 3: Wrestling from a Wrestler’s Perspective”

By Dimond Calvin-BowskyReporter/Photographer

Wrestling dates back to 15,000 years ago, through the cravings in a cave in France. In the 1960s, wrestling was starting to be introduced as a sport in many high schools. It is recognized as the oldest competitive sport originating in the North American Colonies. 

Being a good foundation for other sports, wrestling can help you excel in other sports. Wrestling is balance, agility, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, positioning, strength, speed, explosiveness, footwork, hustle, mental focus, mental toughness, core strength, concentration, competition, and endurance. Strength and good endurance are needed to perform well on the mat while wrestling. A good wrestler needs not only strength and endurance but also technical skills to succeed in this very competitive sport. Weight control and weight loss distinguish it from most other high school and collegiate sports.

Wrestling practices consist of working on these things, wrestling practice can be one of the hardest practices to go to and participate in.

 “Yes! Wrestling takes a lot of skill,” Jamra Fleming said.

Coaches push their athletes to be the best they can be from the time they walk on the mat and the time they walk off; coach Jeremiah Spacht has been coaching wrestling since 2003 and says wrestling is still very similar today as it was when he first started.

“Wrestling is very similar to how we do it now, but we did not have the measures put in place to protect kids with cutting weight, but the toughness of it is still the same,” Coach Spacht said. 

Many ages and sizes can practice wrestling. First matches can be one of the scariest things a wrestler will have to face in their career.  

 “For my first match, it was slightly easy, slightly difficult. I had to listen to what my coach said so I could do what I could do. It’s a lot you have to get through; just keep playing hard and aggressively, and I got through it,” said Derik Peoples, Jr.

Westling can come with great things and great opportunities.

 “Wrestling is gonna be one of the hardest things you can do, but if you give it time and you stick with it, you’re gonna find that there are a lot of amazing opportunities and great opportunities for growth, not only on the mat but in life,” Coach Spacht said. 

Wrestling is an overall fantastic sport, practiced by many sixes and ages. If you’re considering joining the Crete wrestling team, try it; you will never know what will happen and how you will feel until you try it!