Last Friday, ACP Wrestling attended the AIA State Wrestling Tournament in Prescott where two members placed at the end of the competition. Jad Mazboudi (junior), received a second-place medal and ended as a state runner up, while Kellen Gibson (sophomore) finished in sixth place in his weight class in State. According to Mr. Bickes, who had the privilege to watch the wrestling team’s performance at the tournament, both Jad and Kellen fought well in their matches and toughed their way to the end of the competition, doing a fantastic job in representing ACP.

I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Jad and Kellen to compete in match after match and continue to get up after each one, especially with a sport as physically rigorous as wrestling. However, even in their exhaustion, they persevered throughout the whole tournament and finished it with medals around their necks.

After hearing of their accomplishments, I interviewed Jad and Kellen, inquiring about their experience in wrestling and their thoughts of their tournament placing.

My first interview was with Jad, who was honest and open about his thoughts on his performance:

Q: How many years have you done wrestling, and what skills did you use from your experience in wrestling while competing in the AIA State Wrestling Tournament?

A: I have been wrestling for five years. Just through practicing and having dedication and will, I was inspired and pushed to do well in the tournament.

Q: What was it like to place in the tournament? How did you feel in the moment when you received your award?

A: It felt very good, although I was a little disappointed because I was a little off from first place. I was almost there, but I’ll get there next year.

After interviewing Jad, I spoke to Kellen Gibson:

Q: How many years have you done wrestling, and what skills did you use from your experience in wrestling while competing in the AIA State Wrestling Tournament?

A: I have been wrestling for about four years, and a lot of the skills you learn are just from experience. If you wrestle one match and you mess up this way, you know not to do that in the next match. You’re just able to adapt from the situations easier. The more you wrestle, the better you get. Also, I always use the coaching from Coach Huffman and the skills he gives during practice.

Q: What was it like to place in the tournament? How did you feel in the moment when you received your award?

A: Personally, I thought it was great to place at State, but I’m not satisfied with sixth place.  I really want to get first or second. However, I’m a sophomore, and I’ve got two more years, so I’m going to take it with a grain of salt and do better next year.

ACP is very lucky to have these excellent players return next year in order to compete once more in wrestling. We will continue to cheer them on in their sport career and support them as they knock down match after match. Congratulations to Jad and Kellen, and we hope you meet your goals next year!