After 9 seasons of being on the mat, Hunter Phipps has learned that wrestling is about more than just wins and losses. Since starting to wrestle in fourth grade, it has played a significant role in his mindset and discipline.
Phipps first became interested in wrestling because of his previous experience in kickboxing. For him, the switch felt natural, and he quickly discovered he enjoyed the competition. What kept him coming back every year was simple: it was fun, and it challenged him.
Still, wrestling comes with difficulties that many people outside of the sport never notice. Hunter says the hardest part isn’t the matches. “The part that nobody sees is having to cut weight,” he explained. Staying on top of your diet for up to five months a year requires strong self-control.
Hunter finds pride in overcoming the sport’s toughest challenges. Making weight stands out as the most rewarding part of his season because it proves that his discipline is paying off.
Not every memory is about struggle, though. When asked about his favorite part of wrestling, Hunter said it comes down to “hanging out with my teammates or winning.” The overnight tournaments created some of his favorite moments with the team.
Like many athletes, Hunter has faced multiple setbacks, including a hand injury. Instead of stepping away, he kept showing up to support his teammates, which taught him a lesson that will stick with him: “Keep persevering when times are tough.”
As the season ends, Hunter knows that the matches mattered, but the memories and challenges will stick with him even more.