With the district competition fast approaching, the Atoms wrestlers are practicing hard in preparation for their next matches.
AHS will face Mount Vernon and Thomas Edison on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 during the two meets leading up to the district final meet at Lewis Feb. 5.
“We have been working hard all season and want to see that pay off in the next few meets,” junior Maher Khalid said. “Performing well at districts as been a goal for the entire team since the beginning of the season.”
Khalid performed very well at the Atom’s recent meet, the Fallout Duals. AHS faced off against Mohigan wrestling.
Although the Atoms lost 1-4 due to the team being short handed, Khalid went undefeated with a 5-0 record on that day. In addition, many of the wrestlers earned their first pins and wins for varsity.
“I am super happy with my performance. Doing so well against such a competitive team felt great,” Khalid said.
The Feb. 5 district meet at Lewis will feature every team in the district. Wrestlers who perform well can advance to regionals and states.
“My goal is to qualify for regionals and possibly states,” junior Marcelo Pozo said. Marcelo Pozo is one of the Atom’s strongest wrestlers. He has won every single match this season except for two losses.
“I am confident in my wrestling abilities and believe I can do well at districts,” Pozo said.
Despite some disappointing results this season, the Atoms have many positives to take away.
Although Covid-19 and a shorthanded roster had negative impacts on the team, the overall talent helped boost performances.
Also, only a few seniors are leaving the team, meaning the future of Atom’s wrestling looks bright with an abundance of underclassman and experienced juniors.
“I think this team will be very strong once Covid is taken care of and we can return to a full roster,” Pozo said. “Having more wrestlers in the future will help us succeed.”