In high school, many athletes consider playing the typical team sport –football, basketball, soccer. But wrestling is an option a few consider doing. 

“It’s a sport not many people would try, and it’s different,” said sophomore wrestler Nakiah Richardson, who is one of two girls on the wrestling team. “When the ref pulls up your hand it feels good.”

Richardson, who has been wrestling for two years, wrestles in the 102 weight class. At the Bowie Cap Classic on Nov. 20, she won the girls varsity division. More recently, Richardson placed second at the McCallum Dual Tournament, Jan.  15.

“When I’m wrestling, if I’m not doing well, I keep thinking to myself ‘just keep going’,”  Richardson said.

Another member of the wrestling team is Seth Catchpool, who has been wrestling for four years. 

“My dad inspired me to start wrestling,” Catchpool said. “The hardest part about it is keeping your weight down and pushing yourself to work harder.”

In the PISD Tournament on Dec. 15, Catchpool won all five of his matches in the 112 weight division. More recently, he finished third at the Cedar Park Invitational, Jan. 22.

“I feel like I did well [at the Cedar Park Invitational],” Catchpool said. “But it could have been better because I lost one of my matches.”

Catchpool and Richardson practice with the team about 27 hours a week. This season, the team’s is 12-7.

 The team competed at the district meet, Feb. 4- 5.

 “Our goal for district is to get three to four guys and both girls to regionals,” wrestling coach Brad Bresnehen said.