Wrestle! Wrestle! Twist them like a pretzel! Go Lions Go!
This year’s wrestling team has defined the sport at Littleton High School in a new way. This season is the first one in over two decades to have a sizable team, with athletes wrestling in a range of weight classes.
After spending some time with the team at the Boys Varsity Duals against Horizon High School and Evergreen High School I caught the “vibes” of the team, as the boys said it best. While I was sitting with them, I got to see the bonds the team has and how close the boys have all gotten to each other.
“I couldn’t be where I am without my teammates”
– Karsten Beich
Wrestling can feel like an individual sport when a wrestler is on the mat, but off the mat, team support is strong. Teammates and coaches are always pushing wrestlers to make weight while remaining positive. This is extremely helpful for the boys, who are constantly pushing themselves to meet weight.
The group of wrestlers representing LHS are also tremendously driven. They always look to represent Littleton High in a positive way and do so to the best of their abilities.
Andrew Macedo’s secret? “I wear boxers.”
Even silly tactics like this one can be a big deal, with the end goal being state qualification. In wrestling, the biggest challenge the boys face is themselves. They frequently sacrifice to cut weight, maintain weight, and help the people around them.
“The guys around me [are my motivation]. I want to get in, I want to be there, I want to get better for the guys.”
– Emerson Smith
Head wrestling coach Joe Moore notes more involvement and encouragement this season. The team has shown major improvement when it comes to strategies, team work, and the ability to work until the end.
“There is a culture of family that [you’ll] want to be a part of.”
– Coach Joe Moore
In particular, there are more participants competing in more weight classes. “By having filled more weight classes, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are going to win those weight classes, but we aren’t giving those points away,” said Moore.
On and off the mat this group of boys puts in all their effort. They are out there working hard every morning, afternoon, and night. It’s hard work frequently overlooked by the student body. Come out to a wrestling match and support our Lion Wrestlers and see how much effort they put into representing LHS. In the words of Coach Moore: