Monroe High School’s 2021 wrestling season officially began on Dec. 8, the day of the team’s meet against Clinton Quad. Last year’s season was considerably shorter due to COVID-19 preventing other teams in the district from competing in select matches. Leading up to this season, many of the athletes on the varsity team have been training to the breaking point to compete better than last year’s season. 

Junior and Team Captain Tim Murphy touched briefly on the challenges and obstacles that this sport presents, specifically pointing out the “lots of running to make weight.” 

Sophomore Angel Rincon described his training with his partner Brock Graves as challenging but helpful.

“My partner (Graves) and I have been pushing each other to our limits, and we always compete against each other to ‘do better,’” shared Rincon.

Rincon hopes to improve from when he was a Freshman, going 10-4 with his matches. He also noted that this season may be filled with new hindrances. 

“This season will most likely be more challenging than last year’s because there will be more teams at districts,” Rincon said.

Rincon also spoke about the challenges to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Tournament,  which featured all Monroe teams inside and outside of the district. Monroe County did not hold this tournament last year due to COVID, so it is a big focus for the team.