After three athletes claimed themselves Regional titles. Following with five wrestlers moving on to State. The boys wrestling team is high on morale. This Friday; new faces, Warren Brown and Anthony Bustamante, pair with three previous state qualifiers who are working towards placing higher than the previous year.
“After seeing my improvement over the years, our hard practices and drilling, I am very confident in where I can end off the year, which is on top of the podium,” Matthew Maldonado said.
Wrestler Matthew Maldonado who is four-time sectional, three-time regional champion punched his ticket back to Indianapolis. Last season he placed 6th in his weight class. Maldonado believes his training won’t change.
“Planning to prepare for a State run is no different than any other match. Working hard in practice and out. Whether that is getting some extra drilling in after, or runs in the mornings.” Maldonado said.
One of the many new faces being Junior Warren Brown, who just recently claimed his first Sectional and Regional title. At Semi-State Brown finished 4th, securing his spot at State. The multi-sport athlete is determined to make an impact.
“[I’m] very confident. I was fortunate to have tough matches all season. By wrestling these tough matches, it shows you what you need to work on and improve to get better each day,” Brown said.
This Friday and Saturday, the athletes compete for a State championship. Through determination the team is ready to showcase their grit.
“Our morale is very good, we have high hopes this weekend and we are ready to display it on the mat,” Brown said. “Keeping a positive mentality and pushing each other to get better 1% everyday is the motivation that we use.”
Athletes who captured a Semi-State championship include Senior Marlone Kirksy, No. 2 ranked at 150 lbs., and Senior Adrian Pellot, No. 1 ranked at 165 lbs. Pellot, who is undefeated, believes in having a strong mindset in order to achieve his goals.
As a leader, Maldonado also has a set of qualities he bases himself upon.
“The qualities that make me a good leader are not only experience, but the determination and drive that I have for myself and my team. Wanting to see them achieve their goals and exceed expectations drives me to motivate them to work harder going forward,” Maldonado said.
