by Steph Ogar
“Eat. Wrestle. Sleep. Repeat.” Junior David Rogers lived by this mantra this past wrestling season. He became one of six from our school to place in the Wrestling All States.
To prepare for his season Rogers did a lot of practicing before the season started.
“This year what I did differently to be more successful was wrestle a lot in the offseason. Me and a few of my teammates went to clubs and off season tournaments a few times a week in the spring and summer,” Rogers says.
On top of preparing at clubs and practice tournaments, Rogers set goals to push himself to have such a great season.
“My goal for the season was to place at All States and wrestle in New England’s and that’s what I was able to do,” Rogers says.
This was the first time David placed and moved on to New England’s. His feelings were all over the place with his new accomplishment.
“I did not have a single easy match at All States, and to beat these tough opponents and move to New England’s made me nervous but more so I was excited and eager to accomplish my goal,” Rogers says.
Although he did not end up New England Champion, he did not stress about it. He learned what he needs to improve on and is going to work on that for the next season of wrestling.
“In both our sectionals tournament and states, I lost in the finals to the same kid. Last year I won sectionals, so it was a little disappointing to come up second this year. The kid I lost to in both finals matches ended up going on to become an All State and New England Champion, but I don’t like to beat myself up over losing to that good of an opponent,” Rogers says.
His motivation was not the only thing that helped him to accomplish his goal.
“I’m pretty self motivated, but being on a team with a lot of really good kids who work hard helps us push each other and motivates me to be successful,” Rogers says.
At the end of the season, Rogers had one more reason to work hard for next year.
“Wrestling the New England’s Champion, Ryan Nivens, from Tyngsboro, had shown me the level I want to be at my senior year. He practices all year round, and now that is what I am going to do,” Rogers says.
Ending on such a good note and accomplishing his goals, he has already set new goals for his next season.
“I didn’t go above and beyond, but that’s my goal for next year. I didn’t place at New England’s, but I want to next year and that is what is motivating me to work hard. I’m going to keep wrestling in the off season because that’s the most effective way to get better,” Rogers says.
