This year’s 2024-2025 wrestling season is coming to a close, so let’s take a recap of this season’s wins and losses. Wrestling season is often regarded as one of the most challenging periods for the athletes at Karns High School. Understanding the implications of a tough wrestling season requires an examination of its historical context, the figures who shaped its evolution, and the dual nature of its impact on participants.
“…We had to go through lots of adversity because of people getting hurt and a few of our wrestlers getting sick.” Duvan Estupinan said.
The rigorous nature of wrestling training, which emphasizes discipline and continuous improvement, reflects the enduring values of strength and resilience deeply embedded in its history. However, while these traditions can foster a strong sense of community and sportsmanship, they also set high expectations for our wrestlers here, leading to an intense and often unforgiving season.
“This season was mostly decent to be honest, but it’s sad to see the seniors experience their last season of wrestling from this year.” Stone Johnson said.
The physical toll on the body can result in injuries, ranging from minor ailments to severe conditions that may affect an athlete’s future health. The pressure to maintain a certain weight class often drives wrestlers into unhealthy starvation/fasting practices involving extreme dieting or cutting weight, which can lead to risky long-term health issues.
“This wrestling season was honestly pretty good, really tough though. But i’m glad to have wrestled in my last year of High School…”Miles Basalone said
Moreover, the mental strain of competition can contribute to anxiety and burnout, particularly in young athletes who may struggle to balance academic responsibilities and social lives alongside the demands of the sport. The culture surrounding wrestling, with its emphasis on toughness and performance, sometimes leads individuals to underestimate their emotional and physical limits.
“We still had plenty of good matches and did pretty good overall in smaller tournaments.” Duvan Estupinan said.
With the coming close to wrestling season, we learned that it encapsulates both the transformative power of athletic commitment and the challenges that accompany such a demanding sport. The camaraderie that develops among teammates can also create lifelong friendships, as shared experiences in training and competition forge strong bonds. Additionally, success in wrestling can open doors to scholarships and future opportunities, providing motivation for young athletes to persevere through the difficult times.
