By Anthony Klostrakis, Christian Lund, Staff Writers
The 2023-24 wrestling season is starting soon at El Camino, and new athletes eagerly wait to try something new, while returning wrestlers are excited to improve upon what they already learned.
Wrestling is a physically demanding sport. Athletes must learn the difficult technique, strength and stamina to have a successful season. Schools across the district are competing against each other even before the matches start, by making sure all wrestlers are fit for the mat.
Anyone can try out for this sport, especially because of the wide range of weight classes. The classes can range from 113-285 pounds for male weight classes, and from 101-235 pounds for females.
The sport itself is very challenging on your mind and body, it requires a big physical toll on your body throughout the wrestling season. Athletes have to maintain a strict schedule and diet to make weight to be able to have an impact in tournaments or matches. There is also a mental aspect, because many wrestlers have to overcome fears and doubts when it comes to winning and losing.
Wrestler Wyatt West (‘25) spoke about the difficulties in the sport but is still optimistic about joining the team.
“Just try it out, it’s not made for everyone but if you’re interested I’d definitely recommend you try it out. It’s always fun,” West states.
Conditioning for the sport can be challenging and oftentimes one of the hardest things that wrestling entails.
It’s wrestler Timothy Haltom (‘24) first season for the varsity team at EC.
“[Our goal] is to go farther this year, to go past League and go on, that’d be awesome if I can make it to State, [and] win against a lot of the guys that I watched a lot of my teammates lose to last year,” says Haltom.
Haltom also spoke about how practice and conditioning is hard but helps all athletes on the team get better.
The season has begun, conditioning is underway and matches will start soon. To find out more about how to join or future matches visit elcaminoathletics.com or visit the wrestling room next to the small gym after school for more information.
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