Pinning Down History: Senior Cynthia Luna’s First-Year Wrestling Success 

Earlier this school year the Blake Bengal wrestling team was searching for a new wave of talent and members to compete this season. With the lack of girl wrestlers on previous Blake rosters; what better way to start than adding more girl wrestlers to the team this year? One of the athletes that Blake Wrestling welcomed this season, was Senior Cynthia Luna. Cynthia had many accomplishments this season and even placed in the state meet as a first-year wrestler. The Blake Beat sat down with Cynthia to ask about her groundbreaking season. 

There were many advertisements and efforts put in place to get girls to try out for wrestling this year. Coach Potts sent out emails and even posted flyers around the school to advertise the desire to have more girls on the team. I asked Cynthia if these efforts had anything to do with her decision to join wrestling this year. She stated that the main reason she did wrestling this year was because “Coach Potts spoke to [her] about it…saying that [she] would be good at [wrestling] since she is [very] athletic.” 

Then I zoomed in on Cynthia’s wrestling experience, asking her how long it took for her to adapt to the sport. She answered, “It didn’t take long to adapt to the lifestyle of wrestling as a [newcomer].” Cynthia, however, said, “that the biggest challenge was [her] mental state and knowing if [she’s]  able to do something or when to stop.” She added that memories like “winning the regional championship and placing at states” were all moments that made the season worthwhile. When asked about the environment at states Cynthia recalled how big it was and the amount of “eyes” that were on her as she competed. 

Then I asked Cynthia about her experience as a three-season athlete this school year (competing in flag football and softball along with wrestling). I asked her what motivates her to keep going and succeeding in both athletics and schoolwork. Cynthia told me that “knowing that [she’s] not going to have [this] for much longer,” motivates her the most. “I know that after a certain point, your life kind of becomes one of society,” she said. “You don’t have as much as the things you can do in high school,” she added. Cynthia emphasized that she likes to “take advantage” of the opportunities she has now. 

I asked Cynthia if she had ever considered collegiate athletics, and she said “If there’s a chance that I have the opportunity to compete in college it would [most likely] take more motivation for me to do it.” Nevertheless, Cynthia “wouldn’t be opposed,” to playing at the next level. 

As we wrapped up our conversation, Cynthia was sure to thank her “family and their support”. She thanked them for being there for her and “proud” of her “regardless of where [she] placed at any match.”