NPHS wrestling rings in the new season
In the buzzing gym filled with spectators and teammates, the NPHS wrestling team kicks off their 2024-2025 winter season. The team has worked hard throughout their off-season by training and overcoming several challenges.
Ready to prove his hard work put in during pre-season, Nathaniel Melnick, junior, steps onto the wrestling mat and gets ready to face his opponent. Melnick has prepared for the season outside of school-mandated practices by working out in the gym, going on runs and biking, building endurance. “Practices are crucial for being successful on the mat. In practice, I work on my technique, learn new moves and do conditioning. Going to practice allows me to be in good shape for my matches, but it also helps me become more comfortable in my wrestling ability,” Melnick said.
To prepare before a match, Paola Tun, sophomore, listens to music to calm her nerves and get into a peaceful headspace. Tun’s favorite pre-match artists are Kali Uchis and NewJeans. Wrestling has impacted Tun’s life by providing her with more opportunities to meet new people and gain the self-assurance to take more opportunities. “My goal [this season] is to be more confident in myself. [Wrestling has] made me more confident because I used to give up right away but now I don’t,” Tun said. Tun plans to achieve her goal by putting in more effort and working hard during every practice and match.
Despite only having one wrestling season under her belt, Chloe Lin, sophomore, has quickly learned many valuable lessons about mental strength, resilience and how to overcome challenges. Lin feels that she can overcome challenges with the support of her teammates, coaches, family and friends. “Being a part of the team has impacted my life by showing me what hard work and dedication really looks like,” Lin said.
Overcoming physical and personal challenges, Tun sets many goals for herself throughout the wrestling season with the help of her coaches. “The coaching staff helps by pushing me more,” Tun said. Tun feels that the coaching staff constantly motivates and supports all the wrestlers, creating a positive and competitive environment where the team can easily form a strong bond.
Constantly pushing through adversity helps Melnick to grow stronger as a wrestler. Melnick believes that the most challenging part of wrestling is the mental preparation. However, despite the difficult aspects of a match, Melnick loves the community surrounding the team. “Someone should join the wrestling team because it gets you in shape and prepares you for challenges you may face later in life. The wrestling team is also a very fun and positive environment where we all know each other and it’s easy to make new friends,” Melnick said.
