Behind The Success of Providence Cristo Rey’s Wrestling Team

Article written by Ximena Garcia, PCR Class of 2027

The sport of wrestling puts to test the passion and endurance of an athlete. Wrestling has a demanding nature, requiring physical and mental rigor. Withstanding all that, PCR’s wrestling team has had a successful season. From wrestlers placing in the top five in tournaments to making PCR history by sending a female wrestler to state for girls wrestling, the wrestling team has been crushing it! But behind these victories there is an immense amount of hard work, hard work that starts in the basement of Providence Cristo Rey. 

I had the privilege of watching a wrestling practice, where I witnessed the real-time diligence the team exhibits. The dismissal bell rings, and students begin packing up, heading home after a long school day. However, the wrestling team rushes to the basement, eager to change into

their practice clothes. As the school is winding down, the team is just getting started. The wrestlers begin stretching and doing warm-ups as they wait for their coach. Even those who are injured are at practice, doing simple workouts to stay conditioned. When Coach Hostetler arrives, the team discusses their performance at their most recent meet as a reference for what they will focus on during practice. 

This is Coach Hostetler’s first year as head coach of PCR’s wrestling team however he has accumulated much experience from coaching at middle schools and other high schools. For instance, he initiated the wrestling program at CFI 27, holding the role of head coach there. He shares that his passion for wrestling originates from his competitive spirit and the value of being a part of an athlete’s journey. 

“Wrestling is something I can do every day. It is very rough mentally, but you get to be competitive with others and yourself…it's a game of breaking barriers.” he explains. 

Grunts and the sound of shoes sliding on mats fill the room as the team begins wrestling one another. The wrestlers work on mastering certain movements such as “The Shot” by repeating them over and over. The focus is not just on the repetition, but the way the constant action allows for the wrestlers to gain resilience and strengthen their muscle memory.  Coach Hostetler is very observant of each of the wrestlers during practice. He is rapid at giving verbal feedback to them when he notices mistakes or opportunities for improvement. Each wrestler listens to his advice attentively, applying his suggestions promptly. The wrestlers are quick to communicate with one another as well. As they wrestle, a teammate will call a stop to the match to offer insight to the other wrestler or to point out an error. Their efficient communication leads to a better performance while fueling a productive practice. The wrestlers themselves ask for feedback too. Each one of them understands that there is purpose behind each move they make. At times, there would be a failed attempt at a move. Nonetheless, this failed attempt would not bring the wrestler down. To them, it was a part of the learning process. They were quick to get back up and try again. 

The team’s discipline is evident through their ability to maintain momentum. While the wrestlers’ eyes projected their tiredness, they continued to stay engaged in practice. Alongside their perseverance, the wrestling team illustrates a family-like atmosphere. Everyone is fast at providing each other with encouraging words. Sophomore Larry Cerezo is a first time wrestler for PCR. He mentions his difficulty getting

back into the sport, as the last time he wrestled was in middle school. That being said, his love for the sport and the supportive team has helped him ease back in. 

“Just being able to cheer on your teammates during the matches, being there to motivate them, it's a big part.”

Coach Hostetler also highlights when a wrestler executes a movement successfully. The motivational environment draws away from the weariness one feels during the practice. 

“It’s been a year of growth.” Coach Hostetler shares about this wrestling season. This year, the team welcomed many new athletes with little to no experience in wrestling. Yet, they were able to come so far from that. Even past wrestlers experienced significant progress. In addition, Coach Hostetler describes his first year as head coach at PCR as a tremendous amount of fun. He has enjoyed seeing the growth of each individual on the team and watching each of them take pride in what they do. Seeing his team reach triumphs is what he views to be the most rewarding part of being a coach. 

“Just getting to see them succeed. That doesn’t necessarily mean a win, but general success. That can include even in the classroom, and outside the wrestling room. Just being part of that success.” Coach Hostetler smiles. 

Wrestling calls for inevitable hardship, whether that be worries about meeting weight, anxiety before matches, or a negative mindset as a result of losing a match. However, what is important is how one handles these adversities. Coach Hostetler states that confronting these setbacks with honesty is key to overcoming them. 

“Honesty! If we are challenged by weight, challenged by losing an easy match, be honest. I tell them every single day that wrestling is an unapologetic sport.” he says. 

Coach Hostetler emphasizes how this mindset of honesty takes time to formulate. Wrestling is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally. It takes time to deal with the exhaustion it creates. Regardless, he has been committed to embedding this mentality into his team. 

In terms of the future of PCR’s wrestling program, Coach Hostelter hopes to get considered for team state, possibly through getting voted in. He also has the desire that every wrestler that is not a first year makes it through sectionals. 

The team, drenched in sweat, finishes their practice with a cool down. They come together in a circle to reflect on their practice. Coach Hostetler congratulates everyone on their hard work and celebrates their teamwork. The wrestlers feel worn out, yet they can’t hide their smiles. A chant of “Wolves” declares an end to practice. Exhaustion and fulfillment follow the wrestlers out of the room. Coach Hostetler explains to us how he treasures the teams’ efforts, declaring that his favorite part of the sport. 

“Their dedication to this grueling season, and seeing all of these guys stick it out every day and come to support each other every day, that’s what makes it fun.”

The commitment each wrestler brings to the mat at every practice accompanied by their grit and dedication holds responsibility for their success. The team is a conspicuous example of hard work being honored. We can’t wait to see the future achievements that the wrestling team will bring to Providence Cristo Rey!

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