Huckaby steps up in face of injuries to wrestlers
Junior Bryce Huckaby starting the match against Lincoln.
January 31, 2014
Due to injuries of top wrestlers and a disappointing start to the season, junior Bryce Huckaby has had to step up his role on the team.
“I feel like the work I’ve been putting in has made me a better wrestler,” Huckaby said. “Even if I haven’t seen huge results, I feel like I’ve been wrestling smarter and faster due to the conditioning and coaches’ support.”
Junior Tomas Landeros, whom Huckaby looks up to on the team, agrees.
“Bryce’s wrestling has improved a lot by the way he’s been working hard at practice and he never gives up on a take down,” Landeros said.
“My motivation is to keep up with my peers,” Huckaby said. “Tomas and Noah (Blackwell) are both really good wrestlers and I compare myself to them to see how much I have improved.”
Junior Noah Blackwell also believes he has had influential motivation this year, which has helped him improve since last season.
“My dad being the head coach definitely puts the pressure on me to do well.” Blackwell said.
Huckaby’s long term goal for the season is to make it to Masters. If he does not get that far he hopes to get first in league or not lose anymore matches.
“I believe that I have the skill set and talent to do it, I just need to put in the work.” Huckaby said.
Senior Raul Lara was one of the top wrestlers who had his season cut short by a knee injury.
“Even though he has had a lot of setbacks keeping him from wrestling, he keeps coming back,” Huckaby said. “I can tell he wrestles for the team, not himself.”
Senior Dalton Gualco broke his collarbone Jan. 10 and hopes to return before the league tournament.
“It’s pretty sweet because I don’t have to watch my weight or go to strenuous practices anymore,” Gualco said. “Yet, I get really sad knowing that I can’t wrestle with this team that has grown to be a part of my family.”
Tracy (1-3) lost on senior night against Chavez, yet it was still a special night for the seniors.
“It was really cool because it was the biggest crowd we have ever had,” senior Luke Johnson said. “They were so energized and it got me more pumped up for my match.”
Tracy will face Bear Creek on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.
