RATTLER WRESTLERS PREPARE DESPITE CHALLENGES

September 20, 2020

Even with pandemic cancellations and distance learning, Reagan Wrestlers have not stopped preparing for the upcoming season.  From hosting team bonding zoom calls, practicing with club teams, getting together for work outs, and individually competing in National Events, the Rattlers are determined to be ready for the first day of the season which has been pushed back to February 15, 2021.  Head Coach Paul Miller said, “With our season now going from February to April, we will get a chance to have our entire team from start to finish…work a ton of technique and get more mat time for all of our wrestlers.  The kids also will actually be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner!”

Senior Zarek Hernandez, Senior Amir Musalli and Sophomore Jimmy Benne have been competing at National Events all over the country to get mat time, with Benne placing third in Freestyle at Reno Worlds.  “Online school helps me juggle school and go to wrestling tournaments,” Hernandez said.  “In August I went to Alabama, Oklahoma and Missouri; and in September, Georgia.  In October I will be traveling every weekend.”

Prior to in person practices which started last week, Sophomore Nathan Almaguer had organized local mat time for wrestlers to drill.  Almaguer and Junior Alex Sierra also arranged morning runs to get the team together.  The team has been participating in zoom calls and work outs, sharing personal goals for both on and off the mat, and using their SportsYou platform to stay in touch.  This has been especially important to assimilate the freshmen who started their Reagan career online.  “I am excited and proud to be a part of Reagan wrestling,” Freshman Connor O’Brien said, “the coaches and older teammates have made me feel a part of the team by organizing pre-school workouts and checking in on us to make sure our questions are answered.”

Last week the athletes selected their 2020-2021 Team Captains – Sophomore Jimmy Benne, Junior Brandon Jimenez, Junior Alex Sierra, Senior Addie Garcia, Sophomore Ella Gransberry and Senior Victoria Rodriguez will lead the team.  “Expectations are very high for our team and I think we have the kids that can meet the challenge,” Miller said.

The will to prepare is there.  Looking forward to the season!

#StrikeEm