The Hawthorne High School Wrestling team is one of the winter sport programs here at HHS. The Clarion chose HHS sophomore Joseph Aliano and asked him a few questions relating to the team and hoping for some insight on what it’s like to be on the HHS wrestling team!

Clarion Reporter: How long have you been on the wrestling team?

Joseph Aliano: I’ve been on the wrestling team for two years now. I wrestled freshmen year and I am currently in my sophomore year season.

Clarion Reporter: How many matches have you won so far?

Joseph Aliano: Between this year and last year, I have currently won 22 matches…18 last year and 4 this year so far.

Clarion Reporter: Why is wrestling so important to you?

Joseph Aliano: Wrestling is important to me for two reasons. I started wrestling in second grade, so for me to be wrestling still as a sophomore in high school makes me very happy. As soon as winter hits, I know it’s time for wrestling, and its been like that for 9 years and counting. Another reason wrestling is important to me, is because everything depends on you. There is a team aspect to the sport, but there is no one out there on the mat with you. It’s just you and your opponent: no one to mess you up, except yourself. Winning a match is by far one of the best experiences in the world.

Clarion Reporter: If someone wanted to join the wrestling team and they asked for your advice, what would you say to them?

Joseph Aliano: Wrestling takes a lot of commitment. It is by far the hardest sport to stick with. We practice in a room that is the equivalent of a sauna. We have insane dieting plans to help us maintain weight. We drill constantly and get no water breaks. If you want to join the team, you need a lot of courage and commitment to do it. Kids quit all the time, but the ones that stay with the program are always thankful they didn’t quit.