By Sam Campbell

You’re on the mat, going against another boy three years older than you at a Division I school. The referee blows the whistle, and for the next minute you put your all into this match, no matter the outcome.

This was part of freshman Nick Murray’s experience at state wrestling. Unlike the other Tempe Prep sports, in wrestling, our boys go against the best in the state at the biggest schools.

Another star contestant is Louis Ternyik. Starting only two years ago, Louis has had fantastic seasons. Only the top four wrestlers go to state, and sadly, Louis was number five in his weight class. Sophomore Zach McIntyre also placed 5th in his division.

Head coach David DeSilva says, “We’re going to practice harder and longer next year . . . and we’re looking forward to a great season.”

Apart from our stellar high schoolers, Tempe Prep’s middle schoolers provide a promising future. Cash Clayton won 2nd in state for his weight class, Joey Jones won 4th in his, and Domonic Ruiz won 5th in his.

Others schools have year-round wrestling teams, but as Coach DeSilva says, “We’ll keep wrestling tough schools and that’s how we’re going to get better.” Coach DeSilva is getting in contact with other schools with year-round programs for our boys to join in the off season, so you can sign up now! Just find coach DeSilva’s email on Tempeprep.org or talk to David Britain.

While our team is small, we still wrestle Division I schools such as Brophy, Desert Vista, and Chandler High. The reason we do so well against these large teams is because of head coach David DeSilva, and his two sons: Owen and David. Head coach DeSilva has coached at Hamilton High School and in San Diego, Calif.

His son David helps coach high school, and when he was in high school he was a state  qualifier for three years in both wrestling and football. The head coach’s second son, Owen, who coaches middle school, is a mixed martial arts fighter. Together, their skill sets set up our small Tempe Prep team for greatness.

Head coach DeSilva said about his sons, “Believe me, those boys work harder than anyone.”

The coaches have high hopes for the future, and if you want to wrestle against the best in Arizona, join Tempe Prep wrestling as soon as possible!