The LNE Wrestling team was established in 1941. Just by walking into the room, one can tell the team is based on a history of success. The room is filled with state medalist posters, state champion’s names, individual wrestler goals, and plaques of successful wrestlers.
This year, the team is working to be relentless and keep up with the glory that has run through the wrestling room in past years. Ranked 13 in the Best of Brands Competition, the Rockets have used their winning percentage to make their name known. Utilizing Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, the team posts updates of matches during duals and tournaments. Their motto of the year is “relentless.” Every match won leads to a post with “#relentless” to prove to themselves and others they have what it takes to compete with the top schools. The team has worked hard this year to make this true for themselves.
To others, basketball or football are the most important sports at LNE and wrestling isn’t very popular or important. “It’s just not that big really… to them” says senior Mar’San Casteneda. Not to this team. Wrestling is their life in the winter. Fighting through brutal conditioning, long practices, all day tournaments, and staying on weight is all worth it in the end. “The competitive edge of it” is senior Jacob Sabin and some other wrestler’s favorite part. To them, wrestling is everything. For the 7 seniors on the team, it’s the last season they get to show what they can do. Seeing the results pay off is what these guys live for. Medaling and going undefeated at tournaments is a huge pay off. However, their ultimate goal is going to state.
The team hopes to finish strong as their season comes to a close. “Pushing myself to the absolute limit everyday” is how Sabin plans to make his last few weeks the best they can be. This is how the team wants to finish – relentless. The Rockets will attend the District Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, February 11. This will be the deciding factor to determine who will battle to medal at state. Taking place on Friday, February 17, the Rockets hope to send several wrestlers to the State Wrestling Tournament. This will be how the wrestlers fulfill their hopes to become relentless.