The rigorous sport of wrestling requires a range of physical, mental and emotional qualities that most wrestlers acquire as they maneuver forward in their journey. Strength, endurance and mental toughness supply a wrestler the ability to recover from setbacks and perform at their best when it matters the most. Emerson’s wrestling team captain Summer Rodgers, 12, is the epitome of these valuable traits, having advanced to the state level tournament not once but three times in her high school wrestling career. From Feb. 14 to 16, Rodgers competed at the UIL wrestling state championships where she placed 5th, making this a remarkable feat for a high school student.
The strong attributes that wrestlers, as well as student-athletes in general, develop are a result of the intense and demanding training sessions they undergo. The consistent practice not only builds their athletic abilities but also shapes their character, teaching them diligence and the ability to overcome challenges.
“The training process was definitely something,” Rodgers said. “It took a lot of sweat and a lot of time. I was tired all the time, but what got me through it is just having the mindset that I can make it to the state level. Training was rough but it was all worth it especially for state.”
However, wrestling was not the first sport that Rodgers got involved with. Often, external influences serve as a source of inspiration.
“I was running track during freshman year and one of my friends got recruited to wrestling and told me I should join, so I joined and ended up liking it,” Rodgers said. “I liked how motivated you had to be to do wrestling because it is hard. It was not like any other sport I had done.”
For student-athletes, balancing schoolwork and sports can be a significant hurdle, especially when enrolled in advanced or AP classes. However, Rodgers prioritizes academics, which permits her to manage this balance more productively and navigate the challenges with ease.
“Balancing schoolwork with wrestling is pretty easy,” Rodgers said. “You have to put school first. If you fail the grading period, you can’t participate in any sports. I always put school first and have time at the end for wrestling.”
The flu season can negatively impact an athlete’s performance on the field or mate. Regardless, Rodgers battled through her declined health and ultimately secured a medal in the state competition.
“This year I was really sick,” Rodgers said. “I had the common cold and it’s really hard when you are coughing, sneezing and having headaches to then put in your all for a significant tournament. I did not have the energy I needed. My coaches, parents and teammates helped me build back up and I kept pushing.”
Teammates are pivotal in wrestling, as this sport can be tough and individualistic. Despite this characteristic, they provide support and motivation, making the experience more amusing and incorporating a sense of camaraderie to competitions.
“My favorite part of the wrestling season is the long tournaments that I get to spend with my teammates,” Rodgers said. “It is fun bonding with them. Since this is my last year in high school, I try to make everything as fun as possible.”
After high school graduation, the hustle is not going to end for Rodgers as she has the intention of continuing her wrestling journey at the college level.
“I plan on wrestling in college and keeping the grind up,” Rodgers said. “I know how far I want to go with this and I do not want to stop in high school. Currently, I am looking at Schreiner University and Texas Woman’s University with the aim of majoring in mechanical engineering.”
