Among the many sports at Chaminade, wrestling stands in a unique position to the rest as it is an individual sport, yet each member makes up a wider team. In that respect it is most similar to swimming or tennis, yet those sports have their own distinct team aspects in tournaments or meets which wrestling does not. To get a better idea of this distinctive sport I sat down with Evan Boyette ’26 to learn the inner workings of wrestling.
I first posed the big question to him “what makes wrestling unique?” to which he responded, “while it is an individual sport, you still need your entire team to help you and support you.” He explained that compared to football and other team sports, wrestling has a unique characteristic of self-reliance. It allows one to control their success, not supported or held up by teammates in a match.
I then asked, “How has the season been going for the team? What are some of the challenges you guys have faced?”
Evan replied, “Our season has gone way better than last year. We are a relatively young team, so given that fact we have been pretty successful.” He pointed to several of their strong finishes, taking several gold, silver, and bronze medals at various tournaments, a major improvement for the team since last year. “Some challenges we have faced are injuries along with illnesses that have affected multiple members of the team.”
I followed this question up by asking who has had the most interesting season and what has been their most defining moments or storylines?
“Our senior leader Grant Mueller has had quite the season. For a few years, Grant has been the heart and soul of Chaminade wrestling, either on the mat or supporting his teammates from the side,” Boyette explained. “Though he can admit he wasn’t the best he has made major improvements in his game this season specifically.” Boyette mentioned that Grant has gotten 5 pins on the mat, a clear sign of major improvement over last year.
Evan then commented on some of challenges with Grant has faced, including illnesses, “He was also sidelined for about 3 weeks with an illness, and in his first match back he got a pin. He is very determined and has put a lot of time into this team,” reiterating Grants commitment to the sport and his teammates.
Next, I asked Boyette, “Who has been the most successful on the team and what have they won or accomplished?”
“Our most successful wrestler this season has been Bryce Smith, ’27. He has won 3 tournaments, gotten 2nd place in 2 of them, and placed at least top 5 in every tournament this season.”
Before wrapping the conversation up I wanted to ask Evan about himself and what his season has been like.
“My season has seen major improvements compared to last year,” which he explained was his first ever year of wrestling, which he did on varsity, placing him against much more stronger and experienced wrestlers. “With a year under my belt, I know what to expect in different matches and I also have improved cardio. This season, my record stands a little under .500 while last year my record was something like 4-17.”
He then explained some of his accomplishments: “I was originally at 215lbs, but I cut down to 190 just before the halfway point in the season. I have wrestled much better at this weight class and I feel that I have given myself an advantage by doing this,” as at the 215lb weight class Boyette felt outclassed by bigger and stronger guys.
Finally, I asked him “what about wrestling would you recommend to someone interested in the sport?”
“I would recommend it to anybody who wants to be physical and stay in shape. You will see massive changes in your health from the beginning of the season to the end.” He explained that for himself he weighed 207lbs at the beginning of the season, but “by the time winter break started I was around 185. That is a huge change, not just for me, but for anybody.”
As the team enters mid-February, they have now placed their focus on the upcoming district and state tournaments, hopeful for a title.
