Season after season, containing long practices, unhealthy amounts of sweat, dedication, and determination, what can come next for these senior wrestlers at Leyden? On Nov 12th, Senior wrestlers walked in the wrestling room for their last first day of practice looking forward to a great season. “On the first day of the season I was sad walking into practice knowing this was my last first day of practice after being on the team for 4 years. They became like a family. We would all go hard at practice building a bond no one can break,” says Kacper Pabian. Leyden went versus Hinsdale South on Dec 5 for their first division meet and won their duel meet 34-31 Making them 1-0. “I feel very confident about my season, I would like to be remembered for my hard work and dedication for the sport.” says Jeremy Castro. Leydens Varsity team is heading in this year with a full line of people for the first time in a while. The varsity wrestling team has a variety of students, including many from different grades as well. “After high school I want to either join the Navy or wrestle in college. Currently, I have a few offers through some colleges this season,” explains Erick Worwa.

 Going into the season Leydens wrestling team started with over hundred people as the season began the number dramatically decreased to around 60 people. This is the fact that it is the hardest sport that the IHSA offers. Due to the danger and injury factor that comes with the sport. “I think a lot of people drop the sport because simply it’s too hard for them. You’re moving for two hours with no water breaks everyday your body gets sore and people just give up without wanting to give it a chance. What made me go through all the 4 years with all the injures and the days that I didn’t want to wrestle is the opportunity many people don’t have the opportunity to wrestle to being able to go to practice to compete is truly a privilege a privilege that some people will never experience not only that but you build relationships you meet new people and this will not last forever 4 years seems like a long time but it’s flies by so fast that you wish you can go to practice one more time one more game you can never experience this again and that’s what made me do this sport for so long,” shares Kacper Pabian. 

 Many senior wrestlers have lots of different options when it comes to what is happening after high school. “Plans for after high school are to join the Air-force and after becoming a cop,” tells Jeremey Castro. Leyden improved its record to 2–0 with a 51–28 win against Morton in another division match, which highlighted strong performances across multiple weight classes. “I just wanna have a good record. Try to make state, I want to be remembered as a good captain, a good teammate, and a hard-working wrestler,” says Erick Worwa. These seniors continue to compete with heart and determination in what will be their final high school wrestling season. Although their time on the mat together is coming to an end, the memories, lessons, and bonds they’ve built will stay with them long after the last whistle blows. Leaving an example for underclassmen to follow in.