On the Mat With Adam Velasquez

Pitman High School has had many athletic stars come and go since its first days of classes in 2002.

In 2011 our very own Colin Kaepernick was drafted by the 49ers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Also in 2015 Lindsey Vander Weide was named to the All-Pac-12 team her freshmen year at the University of Oregon.

This year is Adam Velasquez’s year. He is a 16 year old junior who has dominated the wrestling world. He has been wrestling for 12 years now. Velasquez has won the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championship and moved onto State Championships, all in one school year.

Many young athletes have different inspirations and motivation. Our young athlete is inspired by one thing only: college.

Velasquez has an amazing example to follow. In 2015, his brother, Angel Velasquez placed fourth in the State Championships, the second best State performer for Pitman High. Velasquez was also the NHSCA Senior National Champion that year and he signed with Northern Illinois University.

Wrestling is not an easy sport. It is defined as a sport in which two opponents struggle hand to hand in order to pin or press each other’s shoulders to the mat or ground, with the style, rules, and regulations differing widely in amateur and professional matches. This sport requires great mental and physical strength.

Injuries in this sport are no strange incident. Velasquez suffered a bruised spinal cord and was almost paralyzed his freshmen year. But that did not stop him!

In order to maintain that strength, a wrestler must maintain special diets and preparations. Adam is in the 120 weight class. This means that he cannot be under or over weight on a match day.

Being physically prepared isn’t the only challenge. You must be very mentally prepared when entering a match. All of this requires you to be focused and aware of any hits your body may take.

“I have to remember how hard I trained for the match,” Velasquez explains on what he does to prepare for a match.

This has not phased our fellow star. He has shown to be very dedicated and aware of his surroundings during a match. In the SJS Masters Wrestling Match, Velasquez defeated Aaron Rugnao of Bear Creek 5-2. Velasquez mentioned that winning this title was a very big honor.

After this tournament, Velasquez advanced to State Championships. He placed fifth in the State Championships this year.

Velasquez’s wrestling career is not over. He wants to continue his wrestling career on to Cal Poly University or Arizona State University.

High schools that devote more energy to athletic success also tend to produce more academic success. Pitman’s dedication to its students and sport has definitely had its very good outcomes as these students show great academic responsibility, maturity, and success.