Wrestling

Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Claudia Rispoli

Photographer unknown.

This winter school sport started last week, but don’t let that fool you. Wrestling can happen all year round with regional tournaments. Today I interviewed a new member to the wrestling team, Jacob Allen Davis.

Here is a few things about Jacob. He is a freshman and choose Lyco because it has everything he was looking for. The big hitter for him, though, was that our Wrestling coach scouted him out. Jacob spoke very highly of the coach who has been here for twenty-eight years and lots of D3 history wins. He feels that with this coach his first match on November 7th can be winnable. Jacob enjoys writing literature, playing Pokémon console games, and polishing his skills at pool. As for the reason he started to wrestle: his mom. After being cut from his high school basketball team his mother pushed him into wrestling. He did admit that at first, he felt uncomfortable and that he did not like the sport very much, but as time went on he gained more self confidence and enjoyed the fact that while on the mat you are responsible for every one of your actions.

During today’s interview he gave me a very detailed insight the world of wrestling. Let’s start with our team at Lyco. The perfect way to say it is that they are all like family, practically brothers. Unfortunately, Lyco only has a male wrestling team that has very little diversity. However, this is not by choice. He told me that because of the uniform (shown in the picture) is so revealing that men feel uncomfortable. Though it is true nothing is hidden from the spectators and your rival during the match, Jacob believes that it’s a great way to get comfortable in your own skin and that a uniform shouldn’t being a stopping factor. The uniform itself is called a singlet; it is made of soft, stretchy material with shoes that have grips even on the sides, so the competitors don’t lose grip as they try to win the match. However, during practice a shirt and pants are required while opposingly knee pads are not but are recommended for safety.

Wrestling also has weight classes to keep matches from having weight disparities. Jacob said that the best way to get into the weight class you want is to work out. Seeing as that wrestling uses every muscle in the body, full body workouts are required and are very intense. A good way to balance it out is dieting but make sure to diet safely. Do not avoid eating all together as that can form eating disorders, instead Jacob suggested to give thought about your meal and make sure it balances out the pounds that will be lost during working out.

Finally, the first wrestling match will be on November 7th at home. The time is not available yet, but if you have free time then go to the gym that day! Cheer for our wrestling team and be there for support! I know I will!