Junior wrestler Stephen Stringer has been wrestling for two years. Last year, Stephen wrestled in the 130 weight class and this year he will be moving up to the 145 weight class. Last season was Stephen’s first full season wrestling. He got fifth in the regional tournament.

It is important that Stephen maintains a constant weight. “I eat to gain weight so that I don’t have to change weight classes,” he said.

Last year Stephen wrestled on Junior Varsity, but this year he moved up to varsity. There is a big difference between wrestling on Varsity and Junior Varsity. It will be an adjustment for Stephen.



“It is harder because you go from wrestling people who have only been wrestling two or three years to wrestling people who have been doing it since they were in the fourth grade.”

The team has a new coach this year and the team is young. When asked how he thought the team would do, Stephen said, “We might not be the best because there are a lot of new people and we are young.”

The team practices every day but when the team isn’t practicing, Stephen hangs out with friends, goes to youth group, plays basketball and plays soccer. Stephen is a twin, and his brother Grant also wrestles. The twins work together and help keep each other motivated.

“Stephen is always positive and he never gives up. Overall he is just a really hard worker,” said Grant.

This year, there will be many changes to the team, but there is still a glimmer of hope.

“We also have to adjust to a new coach this year, but I think if we pull things together and work really hard that we can still make something out of the season,” Stringer said.