Senior Timothy Burton will be starting his last wrestling season this year. After thirteen years of hard work and dedication to the sport, his effort and time have certainly paid off. In the past two years, Burton has received PLAC All-Conference and is also a two-time Semi-State qualifier. This year, in the 160 pound weight class, he is aiming even higher.

“My personal goals this year are to beat my record from last year and to make it to State, which would make me the first State qualifier in school history. My team goals are to win Conference overall,” said Burton.

Burton’s brother was the one who inspired him to start wrestling.

“My brother was doing it, and it looked like fun, so I decided to give it a try. Now, I can’t imagine my life not wrestling,” said Burton.

Burton loves many aspects of wrestling. His favorite move to use on an opponent is a sweep single to a ninja kick cross side cradle. This involves wrapping around the opponent’s leg, kicking upward towards their torso and holding them down on the ground.

Burton also loves the pressure of being one-on-one on the mat.

“I love that wrestling is an individual sport, so you know that the pressure is always on you and you alone,” said Burton.

Not only is the physical aspect of wrestling important to Burton, but it also touches him and his family emotionally.

“I remember walking off the mat to my dad after Conference my sophomore year. It was the first time that he considered I had ‘stepped up and started to become a man,’ and, needless to say, that’s the first time I saw him cry. It really made me realize my love for this sport,” said Burton.

Story by Gracie Walls