Las Lomas wrestlers prepare for this season, focusing on their health

Written by NOGA ELHASID

High school wrestlers have to work hard to stay in shape and compete, it takes dedication and discipline to be at their very best. Las Lomas’s wrestlers have already begun to prepare for the upcoming season, starting their training and dieting regimens.   

Wrestlers are organized into 14 weight classes, and every athlete must either cut or gain to compete in these categories. “Most of the time I go on a diet where I cut out sugars or fatty food… make my own dinners and meal prep.” Said Emma Janke Junior captain of the girls team, who usually cuts during the wrestling season. 

Athletes have to be careful about losing weight, making sure they stay healthy while doing so. The Healthy Sport Index recommends wrestlers not lose more than 1.5% of their body weight a week and abide by a healthy weight management routine to maintain good physical and mental health. Unhealthy weight loss habits can lead to fatigue, poor performance, and health issues. 

As the season builds towards significant competitions like NCS and League, the pressure for Las Lomas’s wrestlers only increases, students want to do well for their team and stay in shape. Last year, Las Lomas made it to something. “You’ve been doing all this work all season long…and all the expectations that your coaches have, and your team has on you…you want it to be fulfilled” said Janke. “You know you got to pull your weight. You really want to win, you want to do well for your team. So the more you work hard now, the better you get.” said Logan Stewart, senior on the boys wrestling team. 

Wrestling is an extremely physically demanding sport, second only to tackle football in frequency of injuries for male high school athletes according to Trine University. Knee injuries, concussions and ankle sprains are only a few examples of common impairments sustained. Many athletes may choose to push through these injuries, but still take care of them to prevent worsening. “Take care of your body, ice it, heat it, whatever it needs. Do it” said Stewart. “…I do try to still train and work out as much as I can, because most of the time you can try to do moves that avoid the injury that you have…I also take good care of my injuries too…ice it or elevate it, or wear braces.” said Janke. The Children’s Hospital of Colorado suggests headgear, avoiding certain positions, proper training and safe dieting to avoid any afflictions.

  Wrestling practices have already begun and the season starts on … Make sure to support our girls and boys teams and all of the hard work they do to make our school and themselves proud.