STATE CHAMPION - Rebekah Ponce

DRHS Junior Rebekah Ponce earned the title of State Champion this past Winter Season on the Wrestling Mat. We caught up with her and asked her a few questions:

Can you give me the specifics of your weight class that you won?

I wrestled in the 100lb weight class with previous years state runner up and a couple returning state placers.

Where were the championships located this year?

State was held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum

How did you get into Wrestling?

Many family members of mine did wrestling, and I also picked up an interest for it after joining jujitsu.

What challenges did you face this year?

I struggled with my confidence before tough matches.

When days were tough, and you didn't want to train, what kept you going?

My teammates were what kept a smile on my face and helped me accountable for my training.

Was there a moment that stood out to you this year that you knew you could accomplish this goal?

During our tournament in New Mexico, I beat a Colorado and New Mexico state champ, giving me the mentality that I could do it.

How did you deal with the pressure as you worked your way through the bracket?

I would talk to my teammates and watch others wrestle to keep my mind off of overthinking.

What role did your coaches play?

My coaches played the biggest role in my success, pushing me to my fullest working with me outside of practice and giving me many opportunities to improve.

What is the best piece of advice a coach ever gave you?

Win or lose, it's not about the wrestler you are on the mat but the person you are off the mat.

Has this success changed your future goals or how you see yourself?

No, I still strive to always just push for the best while still having the same confidence and goals as before.

What would you tell your freshman self or incoming freshman?

I would tell my incoming self and future freshman that every hour spent, and all the long draining practices are worth the outcome even if the progress doesn't show right away.