WHHS has not always had the strongest wrestling team. Last year, the junior high team started with only four athletes, and by the end of the season, only two remained.
Stephan Jackson, ‘23, was part of the Walnut Hills wrestling team last year. It was Jackson’s first year wrestling. The team was understaffed and only had two players, but Jackson persevered through the year.
“We’ve been through so much, especially with a new program,” Jackson said.
Christian Courtney, ‘23, is the other player from last year. He decided to remain on the team because he had hope for more teammates and coaches the next season.
“Just never give up and you will see the results,” Courtney said.
Coming from only having two players, the Junior High, Junior Varsity and Varsity Wrestling teams have made quite a bit of progress with now having around 20 people attending practice everyday. One of the newest promising wrestlers on the team is Ayden Riashi, ‘24.
Riashi comes from a wrestling family. His father wrestled in high school and he is looking forward to wrestling in the future.
“He is an amazing wrestler. He is super tough, even though he only weighs like 80 pounds.” Said coach Estevan Molina. Molina expects great things to come from Riashi in future years to come.
Riashi practices four days a week, and his work pays off on the mat with a record of 18-2. Riashi has wrestled for several years and continues to work his way to the top of the league.
“Just have a good mindset and always push yourself even when you think you can’t go further,” Riashi said. Riashi believes pushing yourself and always working hard is key to not only becoming a good wrestler, but a better athlete.
If you are interested in joining the wrestling team or seeing them at a match, you can find them at their practices on all school nights except Wednesday and their matches on the weekend.