The Niles West wrestling program held a three-way “tri” invitational meet with Chicago schools Lane Tech and Phoenix Military Academy [PMA] this past Wednesday, Dec. 4. The boys team defeated PMA in a close match 36-33 and lost to Lane Tech 72-6, while the girls team ended in two losses, 24-26 and 52-18.
Despite the loss for the boys, the team continues to reflect on their strengths, while keeping their heads high and striving for wins and better matches in the future.
“We won some tough matches against some of [the] tougher kids. We finished matches and looked real good at times. We have lots of talent in the wrestling room. But our talent, needs to work harder [and] keep coming to practice and getting better every day,” wrestling coach Anthony Petrusonis said.
For the girls’ team, this season has introduced new challenges and opportunities for growth, as only three of the 16 wrestlers are returning to the sport. The other 13 are new to wrestling and are just beginning to develop their skills and techniques.
“This year we only have three returning wrestlers. I would love to see all of my wrestlers grow individually by putting in the energy, work, and effort required both on and off the mat [and]… to see continued growth in each wrestler in terms of skill level, level of intensity in wrestling, and mental toughness,” wrestling coach Caitlin Casey said.
Wrestling veterans on the team have taken it upon themselves to step up as leaders and help their new members feel supported and improve their skills. While this meet ended in losses, it provided experience to add onto future wins,
“Some challenge for the team is that most of them are first years and don’t have much experience. As an individual, I have to help the team grow technique-wise while still training and growing my own skill,” junior Zoe Pomeranets said.
The wrestling program has had fewer than five meets so far this season, but each one has left a lasting impact on athletes as they hope to improve on the mat.
“I try to look at my successes within the lost match and focus on how to improve the aspects that made me lose that match. I also remember that every loss isn’t the end of my wrestling career, it’s just a slight step-back on the overall path,” Pomeranets said.
The first home match of the season drew a crowd, with the wrestling gym filled with cheering on the team, regardless of win or loss.
“It was really fun watching both the girls team and the boys team wrestle. This is the first game I’ve ever been to and the energy was really loud. Even though both sides didn’t win I’m still happy I went,” junior Addi Harris said.
