The combat sport involving techniques such as clinch fighting, take downs, joint locks, and pins has begun once again.
Yep, that’s right; wrestling is back in the gym learning how hard the grind towards state really is.
Ultimately driven by passion and dedication this former club is now recognized as sports team.
The former club sport is now the real deal and members of the team are driven and dedicated to success.
“We’re really good at always encouraging each other and we treat each other like family even though its an individual sport,” senior Varsity wrestler Samantha Abrego said. “We push each other to work harder every day.”
For members of the team, hitting the mat on a daily basis prepares them for competition, but when the sports is as intense and serious  as wrestling, nerves still emerge during matches.
“I still get as nervous as I did when I first started wrestling,” Junior Varsity wrestler Sam Parker said.
Glen Lewis and Spike Fogle coach the team. They lead the team daily with drills and a daily three-mile run. This regime is set up to prepare their players for the long season and eventually a berth at in the state tournament.
“I’m hoping to go to state. I could’ve possibly gone last year but I almost tore my shoulder; the tendon was just hanging on there,” Parker said. “I went to Regionals even though I couldn’t wrestle.”
A unique tradition at Bowie for wrestlers who qualify for Regionals is that they dye their hair blonde.
The first event of the year was the “Capital Classic” that occurred on Saturday, November 23 and was held here at Bowie. Bowie wrestlers worked the entire weekend from the ticket booth concession stands to inside and out of the ring.
“We are all really determined, we work really hard and we’re confident in our performance,” Abrego said.