Pin to Win

By Michelle Avina

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Wrestling is one of the two co-ed sports programs at Point Loma. This year’s team is led by seniors Jimmy Hilley and Rana Willink, along with the direction of Coach Lamb. They are an amazing leadership duo that motivates and inspires the team.

Even though wrestling is a winter sport, it consists of year-long training. Off the mat, wrestlers need to be careful of their food and water intake in order to make their weight class. It’s a lifestyle that must be maintained in order to perform with maximum potential. The matches consist of three long periods ranging from one to three minutes. It’s a strength competition with the goal of ‘pinning’ the rival, in other words forcing their shoulders against the mat. Coach Lamb says that, “The first period is won by the best technician. The second period is won by the kid in the best shape. The third period is won by the kid with the biggest heart.”Through the sport’s hard work and pain, our Point Loma team has created a close bond which makes them feel like a family. The three hour long practices and weekend tournaments give time for wrestlers to connect with one another. “While we are waiting for our names to be called, we just talk about the most random things, like about what sounds good to be eating but [we] can’t eat. Or how tired we all are from having to wake up at 4 A.M. to make it to weigh-ins,” says senior wrestler Nelson Poole. “Wrestling has not only helped me discover a second family, but has also helped me learn more about myself. Because of the great conditioning and strength needed for the sport, it has made me live a healthier lifestyle. I plan to do it for as long as I can,” says Nelson. Wrestling is an amazing sport where important life skills are learned. As the regular wrestling season has reached an end, some amazing wrestlers are still in for the competition. Rana Willink will be representing the women at State Championships. On the men’s side, after Louis taking 4th place, David 5th, Thor 5th, Nelson 6th, Austin 7th, and Logan 8th, they will be competing at Masters on February 15th. We wish all of them good luck and hope they bring more medals back to Point Loma. Go Pointers!📷📷