Dominic

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Dominic loves that wrestling is a team sport, but yet individual as well. You can work with, inspire and build relationships with your teammates, but still get to compete 1v1. He loves the connections wrestling brings. He also loves wrestling because it's not all about strength it's about technique. Wrestling is harder than most sports to learn and harder on your body. Whenever he's wrestling it feels like there's not a worry in the world. Just him, his opponent, and the mat.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

First would be is big brother Aiden who placed 5th at States his senior year. Dom wants to have his picture right next to Aiden's on the school wall. Next, would be his coach, Coach Ross, who is always willing to work with him and believes in him and his goals. Off the mat is his Aunt Jenny. We lost her in March of this year. She was like a second mom to him and never missed a meet if she could help it. He knows she is still with him and is dedicating his next few seasons to her.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Dom has fought through so much adversity. It's not really safe for him to cut weight like so many others because of his kidney disease. He has decided to not play football and to focus solely on becoming a better wrestler and not letting peer pressure sway his decision. I'm also very proud of his sportsmanship win or lose. Lately, watching him overcome the death of his aunt, who meant so much to him, and being able to turn grief into focus and determination has been unbelievable.