By Spencer Bodow

The baby of Tempe Prep sports is growing up before our very eyes. Only in its fourth season, Tempe Prep wrestling has been making a name for itself. Led by coach Dave DeSilva, the team has made many strides to become a legitimate and competitive program in this intricate and physical sport.

Unlike any other Tempe Prep sports, the high school wrestling team actually practices alongside the junior high squad. Both sides find these practices very beneficial. Junior Louis Ternyik commented on it: “It’s cool to be able to help the program’s future and also know it’s headed in a good direction.”

The program is indeed headed in a good direction. Sixth grader Cash Clayton recently  finished 2nd at the state championships. The squad also secured a 4th and 5th place finish from Joey Jones and Domonick Ruiz respectively. Clearly, training with high schoolers has its advantages.

For the high schoolers, the season is not quite over. With Sectionals coming up and state after that, the heart of the season is yet to come. The season has been great to all the boys on the team, but they don’t want it to end just yet. Freshman Gabe Ross says, “The end of the season is when we work the hardest because it matters the most.” The sport of wrestling is a tough one to begin with, and when you put a title on the line, it just ramps up the intensity.

But the team has been preparing and will be ready to show what Tempe Prep wrestling is about: passion, hard work, and a drive to win. And even if the results aren’t there the boys will be back next year even stronger.