Early in the month of January, UMA’s very own Junior High Wrestling team finished 3rd in the district tournament held at Ben Lomond High School. This is the highest junior high district finish in the history of UMA wrestling, accomplished by the outstanding performances of Cadets JeNaye Stewart, Beckom Eyre, Tanner Larsen, and Isaiah Rodriguez.
JeNaye Stewart is a 7th grader and was able to place first at the district tournament. She said, “I believe our team placed accurately on the ranking scale. It was well played, but we were heavily outnumbered.”
When revealed that she won first place, Stewart was surprised and pleased. It was a major improvement from her first match, where she was unable to pin anyone down. It just shows how much she’s improved from match one to the finals. Stewart says that she “went with the flow” while she wrestled, and it showed to be a powerful technique afterwards.
Stewart’s plans for next year are to work on self-improvement and her team. Since she wants to return, she plans on recruitment for the team to be able to win an even higher placement next year. All of this can be given thanks to Coach Davies, who recommended wrestling for Stewart in the first place and got her to where she is.
Beckom Eyre was also a part of the team’s victory. He placed 2nd, and has to give his kudos to his mother. “My mom always said I wrestled well, so once I heard there was a wrestling program in UMA. I signed up and made her proud,” Eyre said.
It was a smart decision indeed, as Eyre earned the highest ranking he’s ever received. “I thought it was amazing to be placed so high. I never thought I’d get 2nd place.” He said. Since Eyre is a 9th grader, he plans on graduating from the JH Wrestling program to the High School one next year. Eyre wants nothing more than to self-improve and have the best time while he’s at it.
Isaiah Rodriguez was also one of the high ranked wrestlers of the tournament, gaining 3rd place. He said, “I feel good about my place considering this was my first year.” As a 7th grade cadet, it’s quite the achievement to go from nothing to third, where even Rodriguez himself is shocked about it.
“I have to thank my dad for getting me into wrestling,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to do track for the spring, so he told me to wrestle before.” With the compromise from his father, Rodriguez enrolled for wrestling, and was able to gain experiences from wrestling he’ll never forget. Rogriguez tied for 3rd place with another cadet from UMA, Tanner Larsen.
This wouldn’t be possible without the two coaches though, Head Coach Sims and Assistant Coach Davies. The two were excited about their recent victory, and were proud of their team. Jed Davies said, “We’re so proud of our cadets since 7-8 out of the 9 were 7th graders and first years.”
While JH’s season may have ended, the wrestling fun doesn’t stop here. Coach Sims and Coach Davies are planning on making a year-long wrestling club. Although the details haven’t been explicitly stated yet, it’s a program that will be started up soon to help cadets ease their way into wrestling and hopefully the team.
This victory is a major achievement for UMA’s JH Wrestling team, and it just proves that the underdogs of the school are showing off their true potential. Next year is full of promise for the returning members, and there’s hope for an even higher placement for next year.
