By Clark Campbell

Wrestling is one of the most physically demanding sports. Ever. The Tempe Prep wrestling program this year has taken on a completely new look due to the changes demanded by the coronavirus. However, through all the hardship and difficulty, the TPA wrestlers have still worked hard, and achieved much.

Due to the pandemic, the wrestling program itself was pushed back an entire month, causing some issues immediately. Wrestlers often have to drop several pounds to be able to compete in a lower weight class. Due to the delay, wrestlers had to work hard by themselves in the off-season to be able to maximize their potential and drop weight. Wrestlers are also required to wear masks both during practice and meets. Also, to minimize contact, the AIA only allows wrestlers to face one opponent in a single meet. Although this can make the wrestlers significantly less tired in some ways, they also have to struggle with cramps and sore muscles due to the intense yet short exertion. Sometimes wrestlers even have to have multiple meets in a single week, including meets back-to-back.

However, through all the changes, including the loss of some wrestlers, the program has pushed forward with intense rigor. Sophomore wrestler Gabe Ross explains, “Wrestling is super difficult, yet super chill… Even though the program has changed so much, we still have a ton of team wins.”

The team has accumulated many wins for such a small team – five high school members; only two on the middle school teams – and have more in store. The wrestlers have just a couple meets left to get even more victories. So be sure to cheer on our TPA wrestlers as they finish their season strong.