On the surface, wrestling may seem like a difficult and challenging sport to start. Its strict demands and extreme conditioning tend to make newcomers a bit uneasy. But for present wrestlers, this sport goes beyond the intense needs. Wrestling has taught them self-discipline, mental toughness, as well as creating bonds with teammates.
Senior Olivia Furlong loves the atmosphere of wrestling.
“It’s definitely like a family. Everyone is family and they’re all there to encourage you and back you up. They push you to be your best,” Furlong recalled. “There were so many times where I wanted to quit, but they just kept pushing me.”
Furlong has a sense of gratitude towards not only her wrestling family, but her biological family as well.
“They’re how I got to where I am right now, which actually is better,” she said.
Olivia plans on continuing her wrestling career and journey in college.
“I’m not committed right now, but I’d like to go to either Doane University in Nebraska, Simpson University in Iowa, or McKendree University in Illinois.”
For sophomore Jusiah Platas on the other hand, coming back to wrestling wasn’t as easy. After experiencing a season-ending injury last year, Jusiah explained his experience coming back to the mat.
“It’s difficult; I felt like I had to catch up a lot more,” Platas illustrated, “but I was very much welcomed back. It was really motivating and it makes me want to work harder. I want to do better this season.”
Both wrestlers shared their best moments and some advice for students who may want to join wrestling in the future.
“My best moment was when I beat the state champion for Nevada. I wasn’t even supposed to win that match, but I pulled it off by pinning her second period. That was definitely my biggest moment,” Furlong reminisced. “As for advice, don’t give up. Just keep pushing.”
“My best moment was probably when I got to wrestle a guy ranked 19th in the country. I lost, but it was a good match,” Platas explained. “But for people coming in, you just have to work hard and stay consistent. It’s a very tough, mental sport. You can’t let the losses get to you.”
Coach Pepe Mendoza intends to help expand the wrestling program, as well as build on the wrestlers’ strengths.
“I plan to keep on having practices during the off season. I want the focus to be on getting bigger and stronger. Keeping our wrestlers busy during their off season will make a huge difference in preparing for next season,” Mendoza stated.
Mendoza is optimistic about the Selma Wrestling program.
“I think it’s moving in the right direction. Being the only high school in town really helps with building the program. We benefit from our youth club a lot, since they’ll one day wrestle at Selma High. I myself am a product of this club as well!”
