The Radford wrestling team’s season came to an end at the 2024 Texaco Wrestling Championships on Feb. 23. With pre-season starting in mid-October, athletes practiced every day from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the wrestling room, often splitting between mat time and weight training.
“We had a young team with a lot of first year wrestlers so it was a learning experience for a lot of them and improved as the season progressed. We had a couple injuries that affected our performance in the championship tournaments. Next year, we will have more experience and that will really help,” said head coach Alfred Torres.
Although this year’s team was small with 30 members, there was a lot of dedication and work put in by every individual to reach their own specific goals.
Senior M.J. Ramos placed 3rd at Westerns, 4th at OIAs, and 6th at the state tournament. Despite the hardships that came with his season, he was able to pursue his goals and end his final wrestling season on a good note.
Ramos commented on his struggles, ”Just live in it, have fun, and when everything seems to be going right, just stay humble and remember your family.”
Many athletes face obstacles, such as injuries, which may discourage one’s journey, but a future with the sport is always possible. Senior Chanel Gonsalves placed 5th at Westerns this year, but a severe injury cut her last high school season short. However, Gonsalves is now committed to Schreiner University and will continue her wrestling journey in college.
Gonsalves said, “I felt like giving up on this sport because I thought it wasn’t worth it, but especially my final season it opened up so many opportunities and I am so grateful to be a part of this sport.”
“Practices generally started with kinetic style, warm-ups and wrestling skills. The next phase was basically technique work, which in wrestling is critical. The last phase includes weight training, conditioning, live wrestling, etc. Many times included end of practice games,” said Torres.
However, next year there is a big goal to have more girls to come out for the team and finish out their season. Wrestling will develop your mental and physical health. The skills you learn will be beneficial in any other sport you do and in your future.
In order to prepare for the next high school season, Radford wrestlers and anyone interested in wrestling can join clubs located all across the island. A few clubs include Elite Wrestling and Hawaii Wrestling Academy. This year, Radford is hosting Wrestling club practice in which members will attend freestyle tournaments and work on their technique and experience. Practices are held at the Radford High wrestling room on Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Anyone interested in joining the wrestling team next year can feel free to contact the head coach, Alfred Torres at [email protected] or via cell at 808-220-0087.