For most freshmen, the first year of high school sports is about learning the game, finding confidence, and adjusting to the tougher competition. However for the determined wrestler, Wyatt Kandt, his hard work  turned into early success. 

Kandt states, ¨When I went into wrestling intramurals for the very first time it was very scary, especially since I had never tried wrestling before. But after that first day I was mad I hadn’t been doing this my whole life, because it was so fun.¨

Earning a varsity letter as a freshman is no small achievement, especially in a physically and mentally demanding sport like wrestling. However the young athlete used discipline and commitment to turn a year of uncertainty into a breakthrough season.

Coming into high school, the transition was anything but easy. Practices were more intense, opponents were stronger, and the expectations were higher than anything Kandt had experienced before.

Kandt states, ¨I was shocked at the amount of extra exercise in that game with wrestling, especially since I play hockey and we never had to run before, so that was definitely new to me. However I also loved using this new challenge as a way to compete with myself and others.¨
Throughout the season, his growth was clear. Matches that once felt overwhelming became opportunities to compete. He began to win more consistently, showing not just physical strength, but also mental toughness. 

Wrestling demands endurance, strategy, and the ability to stay focused under pressure, and Kandt was able to develop those skills over the course of the season. By the end of the season, his record and performance earned him a varsity letter, which is an achievement many athletes spend years working towards.

Kandt states, ¨My favorite moment during the wrestling season was definitely when I won my weight class during the JV zone championship. This win helped me earn my letter, which I’m so proud to have.

For the young athletes the season ending wasn’t the finish line. Instead it marked the beginning of his next stage which is offseason training. Kandt has chosen to stay committed and continue to practice wrestling techniques. Kandt is using the offseason as an opportunity to set goals for the future, and grow as a player.

With a varsity letter already under his belt, and a strong offseason routine, Kandt is proving that success isn’t just about talent, but is also about the work hes willing to put in when no one is watching.