Wrestlers Work as a Team

The Bruins Varsity Wrestling team has had a great season this 2021-2022 season. The team has had a huge increase in the amount of players because of all the students being back in school. They are an energetic group of students who are all motivated and push each other every practice. Led by senior captains, Kwasi Bonsu, and Jayson Rivera,the team has had many successful meets with them winning the majority of them. 

The work ethic and team spirit of these athletes is undeniably the reason why they perform so well. Whenever the team has athletes on the mats competing the rest of the team watches and cheers in support of them. Although wrestling may be an individual sport, they are united as one. When asked, “ What are three words you would use to describe the team? And why?” Senior captain Kwasi answered, “Young, prospective, determined. We have a lot of new people this year but even so they are going up against a lot of good guys and holding their own. They work hard and the experienced wrestlers on the team have shown what they can do and impressed many.” Without needing to ask members of the team, it can be said that they all agree with that also. 

The team practices everyday together to work on their sport and better themselves. When they see a teammate slacking or not performing their personal best, they help each other out. The team believes one of the best things of wrestling for Baldwin highschool is the ability to change and improve yourself by pushing your body and mind to its highest capability with the support of the team. 

Jayson Rivera was named athlete of the week from 12/4 -12/8 after becoming the champion of the 2021 Hank Paris Tournament in the 172 weight division. While Kwasi Bonsu became athlete of the week from 1/10-1/17, after being voted MOW at the Baldwin Bruins cup with a great performance. Kwasi went 6-0 in the tournament, ranking 1st, and even defeated the #3 ranked wrestler in Nassau county by pin. It’s safe to say that Kwasi, Jayson, and the other Bruin wrestlers have had a great season so far. But Kwasi doesn’t think it’s over, when asked, “How does it feel to be athlete of the week?” He answered, “ It feels great and it is an honor to be recognized, but at the same time it doesn’t matter whether I get athlete of the week or not because in the broad scope of my career as an athlete this is just the beginning.” Despite all his accolades he still remains humble, setting the example for his teammates that winning does not define an athlete but what they do after their win or loss does.