With the 2019-20 season now behind us, it's time to reflect on individual stories that wove together to form the fabric of the team. Let's start this series by recognizing our seniors and the value they had for the team at ASIJ.
Rin: As the undoubted MVP, Rin's improvement from his prior undefeated season was very welcome. He showed his growth as a wrestler by pinning two of his first five opponents, one during the St. Mary's league dual meet, where every team point counted. He also never got scored on the entire season. That's right. In all 20 matches of the season, nobody could score on him. That's how good he is. On the offensive end, it only took Rin an average of 1:03 to end his matches. He finished the season as the undisputed best wrestler at 158 and 148, winning the Kanto championship (158) and Far East championship (148). Rin was also the captain this year, with an extra responsibility to teach the many new wrestlers how the ASIJ team functions, both on the mat, and off. His leadership and standard-setting helped them earn the Team Sportsmanship Award at Far East. He was the captain that every wrestler could look up to and aspire to be. He, with good reason, earned the respect of the entire team, something that is invaluable as a captain of the team. Being with the team for four years, he'll be hard to not miss next season. Ira: This season Ira scored 59 takedowns in his 23 matches. For comparison, the next closest wrestler had 48 takedowns (Bryce, the freshman phenom and 108 champ). He played a crucial role as the team's captain through leading by example. With all the younger wrestlers looking up to him, he demonstrated how to set up shots, take shots, and win matches. His value to the team was not only the example he set, but also with his 4th place finish at Far East adding to the team's points. It would be a disservice to not talk about his sportsmanship and value as a captain in more detail. Before dual meets, he would gather the team and speak to their hearts. This is no doubt one of the reasons why he is the proud owner of the Coach's Award. With many, many new wrestlers (and freshmen) coming in, he helped create and strengthen the bonds between them and the existing team. Although they played many "stupid" games, they were a testament to the bond that the team had achieved and made everyone feel more like a family than just a group of people that wrestled. There's no doubt the team will miss having him after his four years on the team. Keibun: With a season of injury last year, Keibun was excited to finally wrestle again his this season. He showed off his training in a match with a double leg resulting in the only 5 point takedown on anyone in the team. With great execution in his wrestling, he walked away with an overall 4-5 record and many memorable wins and moments with the team. The team will undoubtedly miss his bright and optimistic aura after his three years on the team. Yo: Yo's time in practices was where a great demonstration of determination and tenacity to become better was exemplified. He had other responsibilities, notably ski season, but he still came to practices and put in every ounce of effort he could. He helped the team set the pace for the rest of the season with his win during the very first wrestling event of the year. Even though he's only been on the team for two years, he is one of the greatest examples of striving to become better no matter what. That's it for our seniors this year. We will miss them all greatly and we hope the team can follow their example of improvement and continue to even greater heights after their absence!
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PhilSend me a note at [email protected] if you have ideas for a story or corrections/additions to these write-ups. Archives
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