On Feb. 5, the Lakewood High School wrestling program held its senior night, honoring the hard work and dedication of the two senior boys who have led the team this season: Diezel Edgar and Quincy Vales.
The Ranges hosted Akron Garfield and Shaw high schools in a competitive match. Motivated to send their seniors off on a high note, the Lakewood team fought hard to eventually bring home the victory. The Rangers defeated Shaw 45-25 and Garfield 66-12 in front of a crowd of cheering family and friends.
Seniors Edgar and Vales worked especially hard to have all of their dedication pay off. “It’s been a blast,” varsity coach Luke Nickel said. “There’s nothing else like it, the hard work and determination that goes into the room every single day, and it’s been awesome to watch and show everyone else all the hard work that happens in the wrestling room.”
Wrestling is a sport built on grit and determination—a trait shared among all members of the team. The sport is instrumental in shaping the character of the students involved.
“Wrestling has taught me a ton about discipline and working relentlessly at something you want to achieve,” Vales said.
Nickel emphasizes that the discipline learned on the mat will carry these young athletes far in life. “Wrestling is one of the hardest sports out there, and it’s important that they learn how to do hard work in the room and also apply it outside the room—that nothing is given and they have to earn it all,” Nickel said.
Coaching is fundamental to the experience of the sport. Having a good coach makes the sport not only more enjoyable but also more memorable.
“My coaches were pivotal in helping me develop into who I am,” Vales said. “Coach Claridy’s tough way of teaching and pushing his athletes to be at their best taught me a lot.”
The coaches within the wrestling program have fostered both individual growth and a sense of community. The wrestling team is a second family, pushing each other to always be the best versions of themselves. “The bond within the team is we’re a family, even when we get upset or mad with each other, it’s out of love and looking out for each other, it’s a brotherhood,” Edgar said.
As role models for the team, Edgar and Vales have spent the season providing wisdom and support to the underclassmen, setting them up for success in the future. Edgar wants to advise younger wrestlers on how to best value their time on the team.
“Always be thankful for the opportunity to wrestle because I missed a lot of time from injuries that I wish I could’ve had, so be thankful to have the opportunity because not everyone gets it, and to also always work your hardest and push yourself past your limits,” Edgar said.
Vales spent his four years on the team enjoying the experience to the fullest. “This team has been an amazing community of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met,” he said.
The celebrations of the two senior captains concluded the night. “Tonight has to be one of the best memories of my life, especially with all of my friends coming there and supporting me, and just having all the people that care for me there and making it special was perfect,” Edgar said.
Wrestling is a sport loved by many, but done by the few who are willing to devote themselves to pushing the limits every day. The wrestling program is always open to new students looking to join the team.
“The only way you can ever know if you want to wrestle is at least come in the room, experience it firsthand,” Nickel said. “You can think you’re the fittest or the least athletic kid in the room, but the thing about wrestling is the amount of effort you put into it is what you’ll get out of it. It doesn’t matter how big, tall, or whatever size you are; there’s a spot for everyone on the team.”
