With Wrestling season over, Bruins who grappled in hard fought matches are looking back with pride.
Bear River’s Wrestling season was successful this year, with some members of the team making it far into championships. Among them, Travis Carpenter, a junior, did an extraordinary job of making it to the State Championships this past season.
“I made it to the State Wrestling Championship,” said Carpenter. “All I have really done to get to this point is work hard.”
Carpenter also described what the State Championships mean for wrestlers.
“The state championships are the top 40 wrestlers in California,” he said.
Bear River Athletic Director Duwaine Ganskie was proud of the Wrestling Team this season and was hopeful for their future.
“It was another great year for the Wrestling Team,” said Mr.Ganskie. “The team was led by Noah Danieli and Travis Carpenter, with promising young wrestlers like freshman Josh Miller. Travis and Josh are returning next year which means the Bruins should compete for a League Championship.”
Danieli, a senior, talked about what he does to prepare himself for wrestling tournaments and about his success this season.
“To prepare myself for a wrestling tournament, I just practice all the moves I’ve been taught to make sure they are done perfect,” said Danieli. “I ended up making it to day two of San Joaquin Sections, which is the tournament before State; that is the highest tournament in California. What I think I learned from this (season) is that success is earned, not given.”
To junior Justin Kilgore, Wrestling was not just a regular sport.
“Wrestling to me was two things this season,”said Kilgore. “It was to get me in shape for baseball but also with that, it was a good family atmosphere. That was a place where you could go not just to practice and to get better but to talk about anything. It was a different relationship than any other sport you play, which is one of a kind.”
Kilgore also believed that Wrestling allows you to grow.
“Wrestling teaches a really good level of responsibility with our coaches, and really just helps you grow as a person,” he said.
Josh Howser contributed to this report.
