The PAC-5 wrestling team is dedicated to improving their skills, staying disciplined and competing at a high level. It all starts with time on the mat.
PAC-5 holds its after-school wrestling practice at the University of Hawaii Laboratory School (UH Lab). This schedule, beginning shortly after school, gives the team time to concentrate on honing their skills and techniques. Along with skill-building, they engage in conditioning to enhance their strength and endurance. The team works hard and develops strategies together.
The PAC-5 wrestling team also participates in tournaments, which typically take place on Fridays or Saturdays. These competitions provide wrestlers with the opportunity to showcase their skills while facing a variety of opponents. It is an important part of their practice because it helps them get experience and become a better wrestler.
The wrestlers put in a lot of effort, improving both their physical fitness and discipline. The coaches push them to work hard so they can continue developing their skills and excelling in the sport. By working hard, having dedication and having teamwork, they become a better wrestler. They can also meet their goals at the tournaments.
I interviewed Sacred Hearts Academy junior Lillian Kaleikini Thompson, a member of the PAC-5 wrestling team. Here is what she shared about challenges and mindset required for success in this sport.
Q: What is your biggest challenge you face as a wrestler?
The one challenge I faced as a wrestler is having a good mindset and discipline. It’s a metal game, so you (need) to have mental toughness. You (need) the ability to stay focused and in control, even when faced with pressure. You (need) to push yourself beyond your level, even if you feel like you want to give up. Having that good mindset will benefit you in the long run.
Q: Can you describe a typical practice day?
A typical day at practice starts off with rolling out the mats and cleaning them with a solution of bleach and water. This is to keep the mats clean and prevent athletes from getting sick or even getting ringworm. After that, we start to warm up. This includes running, stretching and even gymnastics! Next, we go through our basic training which is handing fighting, short offense, shooting and top/bottom work. This is to help us gain muscle memory. Following that, we have our coaches teaching us new skills that we can work on such as throwing, pins and even fun tricks we can do. At the end of practice (and) to help slow our heart rate down, we do a little stretching and yoga, so we aren’t tight and sore the next day. Finally, we roll up the mats, and if we need to, we even check our weights and say our goodbyes.
Q: How do you balance wrestling with school?
It’s through good time management. I try to get all my work done before practice, and this is during my breaks and ACP. I am thankful that our school has these periods that give us time to do work. If I cannot get all my work done, we have time before practice starts. This can also help so that once I get home, I don’t have any work to worry about, and I can relax and recover.
Kaleikini Thompson’s responses show how important it is to have a certain mindset and discipline while wrestling. It’s all about pushing yourself, even when it gets hard. Balancing school and wrestling can be difficult, but having a good routine can make it more manageable. Her hard work in academics and wrestling serve as inspiration for many. Additionally, the support she receives from her coaches and teammates plays a significant role in her success.
