Wrestling, fundamentally, is one of the most challenging sports. Wakefield High School is represented by both a men’s and women’s team, which have shown their dedication through regular meetings. Despite their consistency, there are still many challenges that come with this activity. Wrestling is an individual sport, but the mental toll is heavy and no one should have to carry that weight alone. 

Wrestling is one of the most isolating sports at the high school level. Once the whistle is blown and the match begins, all of the pressure settles entirely on one athlete. Whether someone is a rookie or has years of experience, spotlight syndrome always seems to be present. One such student who has to face this is junior Tobin McNair, who has been wrestling for nearly 13 years.

“I won states last year, and then I eventually went on to All-American at nationals. [But] one thing that is hard for me is that everyone expects me to be perfect,” McNair said. “I think people expect a lot out of me, and everybody’s eyes are always on me.”

Despite the pressure from peers, a team setting plays a major role in an athlete’s performance during the match. Senior Micah Kinton shows his insight on how support off the mat is just as critical as the performance on it. 

“Being a part of the team has really helped me realize that one person’s actions are [significant] and can affect everyone else on the team,” Kinton said.

Through a collaborative setting, Wakefield’s wrestlers are able to support each other mentally through competitions. Being surrounded by others who understand the emotions of the sport helps normalize nerves, reminding individuals that stress is not a personal failure but a shared experience. Sophomore Eden Gebremichael from the women’s team has experienced this support firsthand. 

  “[A team is important because] having people in your corner while you’re wrestling on the mat is [good],” Gebremichael said. “Even though they’re not there helping you, just having them there encouraging you is good.”

With challenging sports such as wrestling, it takes great mental fortitude to stay consistent. Like many wrestlers, sophomore Isaac Ruff, a relatively new wrestler of three months, faces the challenge of persistence. 

“Instead of quitting today, quit tomorrow,” Ruff said. “And if every day you say you’re gonna quit tomorrow, you never quit.”