The sound of constant commands indicating which technique should be applied barked by Coach Tim Ray echo in the ears of junior, Evin Youm. As beads of sweat spill down his forehead; the clock ticks down each grueling second and he can feel his body degrading as he fights his way out of his tall opponent’s grasp. Each muscle screams to give out as the wrestler’s lungs fight for each individual breathe.

“Don’t quit, don’t quit,” he tells himself, trying not to give up though he is exhausted. He rolls his opponent over as he scopes his neck and lifts his elbow for leverage. This is what the wrestlers must prepare for, that moment when they become conscious of dereliction, or animated by the feeling of glory because they pinned their opponent.

Evin Youm trains so that one day he can achieve one of his biggest goals, “I look forward to becoming state champ cause you know, I’m the best wrestler to ever exist,” jokes Youm.

To be mentally and physically prepared for evaluation day, the Cy Ridge wrestlers must first undergo the preparation lead by Coach Tim Ray. Evaluation day is each time a wrestler is standing before their opponent at a tournament. It is the day they show that they have improved. This year, Nov. 17 marks the crucial date, for this is the day of the wrestling team’s first match.
“Mentally I’m keeping my eyes on the goal focusing and thinking about how great it will be to achieve it,” Youm said. “Physically, I am pushing my limits and making myself better by practicing my technique.”

In order for these athletes to reach the furthest extent of their physical or mental endurance, they experience Ray’s decided form of training to master their skills.

“I will prepare them through hard work running, hard work lifting, practicing technique during practice. And the athlete will develope through toughness and fortitude to be successful,” Ray said.

The start of the new season awakes lots of emotions for the wrestlers as they are constantly trying to get stronger and better than the year before. Youm was nervous about the season this time last year.

“I was weaker than most people and not good at pulling off the moves. This year I wanna see how much I got better,” Youm said. “I used to be afraid, afraid that I or the other person would get hurt, but now I see them trying their best which motivates me to give them my all.”

To put in the effort they need during their preparation, the wrestling team relies on Ray’s constant motivation. Wrestler Reznor Garcia, junior, is one of them.

“[Coach Ray] yells at me to make sure I do everything right in practice; in everything, we do to reach our greatest potential. I know it sounds mean, but I know he cares and is trying to make me be my best,” Garcia said.

Youm said: “He keeps me motivated and appeals to my emotions, he keeps our mindset focused and really keeps us accountable. He won’t lie to you if you’re bad or doing something wrong he’ll tell, you.”

Ray expects dedication from each of he is wrestlers so that they may find success but each puts dedication in a different form.

“Hard work. It’s the key to success no matter if it’s wrestling or anything else, you have to push yourself and try if you want to succeed in anything.” Youm said.

This leads to the moment before they step on the mat, and there is only one thing that Ray expects of them.

“To give it everything you have, win or draw leave it all under the mat,” Ray said.

While, Ray trains the wrestlers he is trying to achieve his own goal each day.

“My goal is to try to have one student-athlete be someone in society then all my hard work of going to college to be a teacher and coach was worth it,” Ray said.