This article was written by Olivia Lloyd, class of 2019.
The Patriot wrestling team took home second place at their most recent tournament held at Monarch High School. The nine Heritage wrestlers competed against Coral Glades, Monarch and Piper at the competition held Dec 5.
Before the tournament began, sophomore Joshua Hartman received medical attention for his bleeding earlobe. “I somehow hit my ear on someone’s leg when I was wrestling them and it started bleeding,” Hartman said.
The team started out with three losses but turned the tide and began a string of wins from junior Zev Hartman, who beat his opponent after several rounds.
Unlike the rest of his team, when he faces an opponent, senior Mohamed Adada wears a type of helmet has with a protective mask over his face. “I broke my nose, and I don’t want to break it again,” Adada said.
Two Heritage wrestlers experienced the consequences of limiting their caloric intake in order to get to the desired weight class. This practice can lead to the athletes feeling weak in the days leading up to their matches, and some athletes will eat directly after weighing in at the tournament. “Some of these guys are eating their first meal in like two days,” Oweis said, in response to a second Heritage wrestler throwing up after winning his round.
The team continues to train in preparation for their district meet Feb. 20 at Cardinal Gibbons.
