Christian Barahona 

• Grade: 10
• Sport: Wrestling  
• Age Started Playing: 15

How would other people describe you?

Probably depending on the person, either energetic or quiet. 

How and why did you start playing?

I started wrestling because my little brother was interested in the program and when he was in the 5th grade , I went with him to the summer camp during my 6th grade year, that’s when I started learning about it but until my freshman year that I actually got really interested in wrestling and I started , I changed my athletic to wrestling and i really liked it because it taught me discipline and made me lose weight.

What have you grown in discipline?

I’ve stayed more consistent and i’ve learn to get the things on time more and so even though I  don’t want to do the hard things I still get through them 

Describe how you prepare before a wrestling meet?

It’s Tough, I just talk to some of my friends and sometimes I just listen to music but you gotta mentally get ready to get on the mat because no one’s going to help you. It’s just you and your opponent.

What is your opinion on wrestling weight cutting?

So last year, I was usually underweight so i never had to cut weight but seeing the varsity members, they definitely looked dehydrated and struggling. It’s tough mentally and physically.

What do you think your reputation is as an athlete? 

 As an athlete, I don’t stand out. I want to change that because I could definitely be better if I tried harder. I just need to be more consistent, try to go to more practices.

What personal superstitions or traditions do you have before, during or after a game? 

Fixing my mindset, like i just think God’s gonna help me through it 

Tell us about your favorite memory as an athlete either on or off the field?

Probably after school, My first practice . It was fun and challenging at the same time because I would go with my friend. I would partner up with him and he already graduated. His name was Carlos or sometimes with my friend Waldo. It was fun wrestling with them both. They challenged me and helped me grow.

How have you grown as a person from your younger self?

Definitely a lot more mentally, more confident now and physically I grew, lost fat gained more muscle.

Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for. 

Maybe just staying in wrestling because last year I saw so many guy’s quit . I love wrestling. 

Who is someone you are thankful for and why?  

Coach Ferguson, he’s like a father figure sometime’s because he pushes you and he’s hard sometimes , but he wants you to grow. He wants to teach you real life lessons through wrestling.

What advice would you give to people that may want to play your sport?  

Work hard, a lot of it is mental. It’s tough physically, but you can never get through the physical if you are not mentally prepared. Stay consistent with yourself and believe in yourself.

What’s on your bucket list?  

Travel more and maybe wrestle in college.

Favorites

• Team Tradition: Jog up and put our hands together and scream panthers 
• Exercise: Dumbbell rows 
• Drills: Double leg drills
• Song: “ForestFires” by Chris Travis