That’s the hard truth awaiting every eighth-grade wrestler as they prepare for the jump to the high school level. The transition is tough: bigger school, more classes, stronger competition, and classes that demand commitment. Everything you have learned about wrestling was just the first step, this is where the hard work begins. 

At Casa Grande, there is a big wrestling team. However, the freshman struggle the most due to tougher competition, difficulty of gaining enough weight to be in the right weight class, and being tough enough for all the conditioning they do. The wrestling season starts in the cold and windy fall month of November. Even with the wind howling around them, the wrestlers run bleachers, and bear crawl around the track. Afterwards, they pull out the mats to wrestle. 

When the team wrestles, it can be tough for the freshmen. Sometimes they have to wrestle some of their teammates who are older and stronger than they are. However, this prepares them for the season. Early in the season, the freshman will figure out what meal is best before a tournament. Tyler Henderson, a freshman wrestler on JV said, “my go to meal is really anything light, preferably with some protein.” Aiden Schlientz, a freshman wrestler on JV said, “I like to eat a lot of carbs before I wrestle.”

At the end of the day, these wrestlers push themself for the love of the game. Every wrestler has a different favorite part of wrestling. Henderson said, “my favorite part of wrestling is making bonds with all of your fellow wrestlers and getting that win” and Schlientz said, “my favorite part of wrestling is definitely when you win your first match.” Each wrestler may chase a different goal, but one thing is for sure – they will always push themself to win.