By Kieran Higgins

   Have you ever wanted to join wrestling? Well TPA wrestling is the place for you!

   The middle school wrestling team started in mid-October, and high school started on Nov 1. A total of 26 wrestlers participated in both programs this year, including 19 new wrestlers, according to Mr. DeSilva, the head coach.

   Mr. DeSilva said, “There were a lot of new kids this year so it will take time to learn, but we also have some returning veterans that have state championship experience. The hard work these kids put in and the success they have will carry them for the rest of their life.”

   The focus of the TPA wrestling team is to work hard, be patient, relax and have a good time. The team as a result becomes extremely tight knit and everybody has each other’s backs.

   The training isn’t easy, and if you ask any team members, it’s the toughest sport in the school. But it’s also a big reason that the wrestling team has managed to make it to the state championships five years in a row.

   “To be part of the Tempe Prep wrestling program is to be part of the state championships every year,” Mr DeSilva said. 

   Despite being one of the larger sports teams on the TPA campus, the wrestling team is small compared to other schools. 

   The team has traveled as far as Baghdad, Show Low and Yuma for competitions. 

   The team has won many times in competitions, and has proven to be extremely successful because of their mentality and training.