41 years have passed since the wrestling program started at Highland Park, and over all these years, they've met and exceeded expectations. Wrestling captain senior Carter Baumgartner enjoys the intensity and commitment of the sport, and his role as a captain. "You have to be a leader and represent the team, both at practice and outside of practice,” Baumgartner said. “If you're not working hard, nobody else is expected to work as hard as you.” Photo by O.S. Keijsers Koning.
By O.S. Keijsers Koning
The wrestling team creates a strong community on and off the mat, supporting one another as well as contributing individual skills.
This year's captains, seniors Carter Baumgartner, Cormac Carroll and Matthew Winford, strive to push the team to the state championship. To achieve this goal, practices are constructed of teamwork as well as independent work.
“You work really hard all together and there's a lot of skill involved in practicing over and over and over again,” Baumgartner said. “When you get into the real matches, with other opponents, it's just you out there and so all your practice all comes down to those six minutes that you're out there.”
An extreme amount of concentration and strength is required in each wrestling match. In preparation for their rigorous matches, the team creates a balance of lightheartedness and intensity throughout their training, and Baumgartner enjoys both aspects. To foster the team’s spirit, the captains lead the team by example.
“You have to be a leader and represent the team, both at practice and outside of practice,” Baumgartner said. “If you're not working hard, nobody else is expected to work as hard either.”
Baumgartner emphasizes the importance of holding a positive mindset, striving for a mature and optimistic team. Working with Carroll and Winford, Baumgartner also recognizes the responsibilities they share.
“There are no secrets to success, it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure."
“We’re all leaders, so we all have to communicate with each other to improve the team and reach better potential,” Baumgartner said. “So we’re just constantly communicating with each other what we think the team should be doing and what not.”
By building solid communication and teamwork, the wrestling captains create a lively community. They stick together through the on and off season, helping the team do their best 24/7.
“We do a camp in the summer where we all come together, go to a camp and work on wrestling outside of our own coach,” Baumgartner said. “A lot of time is spent hanging out at the school with different teammates, and building that bond.”
Baumgartner points out the friendships built out on and off the mat which strengthen the team’s relationships and create fun memories.
“Another memory is team dinners after duals and tournaments at Whataburger, In and Out and Burning Rice,” Baumgartner said.
Baumgarter appreciates the coaches’ role in the success of the wrestling team. Coach Tim Marzuola and assistant coach Mark Furgeson work together to keep the program thriving.
“[Coach Marzuola has] been doing a tremendous job running the program. He's been doing it for over 35 years,” Baumgartner said. “He does an awesome job making sure everybody learns and he’s taught me a lot over the last six years.”
Baumgartner reflects on the key components of success, namely the dedication of all the team members, captains and coaches.
“There are no secrets to success, it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure,” Baumgartner said.