Young wrestler Noel Estrada builds his career from scratch.
Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya
There are many students who begin a sport at TJ and make it their goal to succeed and excel at that sport. Sophomore Noel Estrada is no different, as he pushes his limits to stellar boundaries in wrestling.
Just like many other students who try out a new sport during freshman year, Estrada joined wrestling as a beginner. He became interested in wrestling because of his brother Guillermo Estrada, who also wrestled since his freshman year and graduated from TJ last year. “He motivated me to join and helped me begin wrestling. My goal was to try and be as good as him, and hope that one day I can beat him in a match,” said Estrada.
Since that first practice, Estrada has been coming to practice every day to try and get better and keep up with the upperclassmen. It only makes sense that Estrada’s favorite moment from wrestling is when he beat last year’s senior Adam Simpson, for his spot. “It felt great to see that all my hard work was coming together, and beating a senior my freshman year felt great! That was the moment when I knew that wrestling is my sport,” said Estrada.
Being a student and an athlete comes easy to Estrada. He is on top of his work and manages to fit school into his rough schedule. “School is a big part of sports and what I want to do. I need to keep my grades up and stay out of trouble if I want to wrestle,” said Estrada. “Coach [Laurita] makes sure that we have everything up and good to go before our matches, and if it isn’t, then when it comes time for practice he makes us work harder. The coaches help me build up my mental toughness and only think positively.”
Even though wrestling is an individual sport, there is still a lot of team bonding and support that goes on. “Noel is really a great team player. He has helped me out and given me tips when I needed it most. I am glad that he has my back, and that I have the opportunity to wrestle alongside with him,” said Kenny Ojeda, a sophomore on the team.
Laurita says that Estrada has been a strong asset for the team, helping to rank higher and score more. “It’s nice to have a kid who is tough and willing to work hard and practices every day. Since freshman year his technique has gotten much better, and he has matured as an individual wrestler; you can tell he is on his way to becoming even better,” said Head Coach Mike Laurita.
Wrestling is a sport that relies on both the physical and mental strength of an individual. Estrada has experienced both in his two years of wrestling. “This is a sport where it’s all based on your strengths, and if you mess up, there is no one else to blame but yourself. I’ve got more mental strength now, and do not give up as easily. It’s all about perseverance, and having the goal to win.”
As a sophomore on the team, Estrada has gained leverage among his teammates and is now setting examples for the freshmen. “I have more confidence about myself now. I know that I have younger kids who are now looking up to me, and I need to help them out and be a leader,” said Estrada. “When I go out to compete during matches, it’s not as intimidating as it was when I was a freshman. It’s a good change to have.”
To keep up with the big dogs on the team Estrada has to work harder and make sure he stands out to the coaches. “I run every night to stay in shape, work really hard during practices, and make sure to keep my weight always balanced. Being healthy is an important factor in wrestling, so I try to do my best in maintaining good health,” said Estrada.
This year is a challenging year for all the wrestlers, with many tough matches and a long road to get to the state competition, but Estrada has his eyes locked on the gold, and is getting things done. “I have my mind set straight; I need to make it to state and do my best to place at state. That is why practice is crucial to me. I am trying my hardest to become better and learn something new each day.”
As with any other sport, wrestling teaches its players many fundamental lessons that can be used throughout the player’s life. “Wrestling keeps me going by making me believe I can do something on my own and accomplish a goal. I know that going through with this experience I will learn to depend on myself more, and gain the mental strength that will help me in the future.”
The pressure of being an athlete and student is no match for Noel Estrada. Being successful means more to him than just wrestling; he also does well in school and has a very bright future ahead.
