Redwood’s Silent Champions

By: Brandon Teela

Redwood has been subject to many astounding athletes through the years. Junior wrestler Lynice Luna and senior Alex Rodriguez are just some of the many Rangers that have above and beyond in the world of sports. The two wrestlers have flown under the radar but have quietly achieved the highest level of respect.

Luna and Rodriguez yearn from the results of years of hard work and dedication. The Redwood student athletes have made their names known not only in the school but all around the valley.

Rodriguez says that the root of his success has stemmed from, “a lot of time and hours spent in the wrestling room.” He explains that he started wrestling at a young age and has always pushed himself to be the best he can be. He credits his coach Watts saying, “[Watts] impacted me the most by always pushing me to be better.”

Placing 9th in valley Rodriguez showed he can compete with the best. He does not plan to wrestle after high school but he says it has taught him things he would not have learned anywhere else.

Rodriguez is considered by his teammates to be a leader. Easton Smith, ’21, says that, “He dominates on the mats and keeps the team in check.” He continues to say that Rodriguez does not mess around and is all about winning.

He leads through his perseverance and hard work.

Easton Smith, ’21, on Alex Rodriguez leadership style.

Rodriguez recognizes the Redwood Wrestling program in his success. He explains that he began wrestling for Coach Watts’ club team years before high school which accelerated his growth greatly throughout club and high school. Alex leaves behind a legacy of winning here at Redwood and resembles what it means to be a Ranger.

His final message to the younger wrestlers is to learn as much as you possibly can. Alex wants to make it clear that sometimes it takes failure to get better. He explains, “Don’t be afraid to lose because sometimes that is the only way to get better.”

Luna also credits her coaches in her success because they always push her to do her best. She says that she joined wrestling so she could learn discipline and she explains that it helped her, “release built up anger.” Lynice explains that one of her biggest inspirations is her mother because she wants to work as her mother.

Lynice chose wrestling because she felt like it was a perfect fit for her and it makes her happy. She said Redwood expanded her love for the sport because there is always someone in her corner. She said, “Redwood has provided support I don’t think I could find anywhere else.”

Luna explains that wrestling taught her that once she stepped on the mat she can have all the confidence in the world because she trained for every moment ahead of her. She wants every wrestler to enjoy the sport and to be happy in everything they do.

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