The sport of wrestling is not just muscle and weight, it is dedication and motivation. Without the dedication to the sport an athlete would not be able to bring themselves to the next level. The amount of training that gets put in will pay off in the end. The motivation to get better also contributes to the dedication It takes certain a certain person to work their way up to the top and win under pressure.

I joined wrestling because a few of my friends mentioned it to me and I thought, why not?! It was one of those impulsive decisions, which changed my life forever. I found something I was truly dedicated to. Wrestling doesn’t discriminate. No matter your body type, height or body weight, there is a place for you in wrestling. In wrestling, as long as you are tough and have the desire to win, nothing else matters. There is no sport more demanding and teaches you about life on and off the mat. It teaches life lessons that can only be taught by suffering the endeavors of the sport,” said Hope Cordoviz, senior.

Each and every match has its memorable moments, whether something funny happened during the match, or it was a mentally tough match and being able to pull through under the pressure.

“My most memorable match was the championship finals at San Leandro. I was tied in points during the last period and went into overtime, meaning whoever got the first takedown won, and received first place. What made this memorable is that I won that match with heart. I had only 1 minute to end the match and score. When I shot for the takedown I got the crowd’s attention and got my points, I was very relieved. I have never been so happy in my life. I won my second tournament and taught me that whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve,” said Cordoviz.