Last weekend, the Greeley West wrestling team headed down to Ball Arena to compete for State titles in their specific weight.  Among the nine boys that were taken to compete, there was one who stood out the most: Junior David Lopez battled and fought his way to a second-place finish in the weight class of 215 pounds. 

It wasn’t the outcome that he had eyed, but Lopez was able to look back on the season and be able to see the good out of the bad and what needs to be done for his final year next season.

Last year, Lopez didn’t make it to the final day to wrestle.

“To place second at State wasn’t the best feeling in the world, but it felt like I accomplished something,” Lopez said.  “Knowing that last year I got eliminated the second day I felt proud of where I ended.” 

Looking back at his final match, he understands his mistakes and the areas he he needs to improve on the mat. 

“The thing I would have done differently is being patient. I was a little too patient rather than working at my own pace. I was more of working at my opponents pace,” Lopez said

Lopez mentioned how the support from his teammates and his family pushed him even more to win. Lopez said, “My mom, my dad came to every wrestling match and tournament they could get to. Even my whole family, even my extended family were there cheering me on.” 

He noticed the amount of tips his teammates would give him which he took and put them into his technique. Lopez is looking forward to next year and he knows what needs to be done to make certain he gets back to that final duel and instead, wins the whole bracket. 

“I am going to get in the gym. I gotta prepare my mind rather than my body. Having football, it’s going to get me big, but for wrestling I am going to prepare my mind for it,” Lopez said. “(Next year) is my last ride, my last chance to prove myself.”