Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason. 

Wyatt Hollingsworth (12) wrestled his way from the mat to the February Athlete of the Month award. Hollingsworth is a prominent athlete on the varsity boys wrestling team, leading them to a record of 44-5.

Hollingsworth began wrestling at 8 years old and spent all four years of high school competing for the Falcons’ program. Since his sophomore year, Hollingsworth has joined the varsity team. 

To note his accomplishments, he placed No. 8 at the state qualifier and No. 3 at the California Interscholastic Federation, San Diego Section Masters Tournament.

Hollingsworth capped off the year with a post-season performance, earning a spot at the state tournament after placing third at the state tournament and the Masters meet, where only the top four wrestlers in the state.

For varsity head coach Mike BigRigg, Hollingsworth’s matches were “some of the most memorable.”

“Wyatt is the most exciting wrestler to watch on our team by far,” BigRigg said. “He is a very creative wrestler, and he can pin anybody at any time.”

In contrast to the leg attack, which is most commonly used, Hollingsworth is “stylistic” with his wrestling technique, incorporating throws, a move that lifts and flips opponents onto their backs. 

“He’s probably our best thrower,” BigRigg said. “He can throw anybody, which is what makes him really exciting to watch.”

Beyond his individual pursuits on the floor, his accomplishments play a key role in the team’s success. 

“He’s our most valuable wrestler,” BigRigg said. “He’s our highest point scorer this season.”

BigRigg noticed his growth this year. 

“I would say confidence and maturity [are] area[s] he really improved on,” BigRigg said. “His grades got better, his commitment got stronger and it’s been really fun to watch him mature into an amazing wrestler.”

Teammate Marko Dzodzo (12) watched Hollingsworth’s development firsthand as the two wrestled together since their freshman year. 

“Since he started wrestling, he’s always been a natural leader on the team,” Dzodzo said. 

His leadership became important for the team after the loss of several seniors the previous season. 

According to Dzodzo, “Last year we lost a lot of seniors, and Wyatt really took the role of leading everyone.” 

Dzodzo says that Hollinsworth’s contributions to the team “give the team something to look up to.” 

“One of Wyatt’s strengths that I admire most is his resilience,” Dzodzo said. “He doesn’t quit. Even if he’s losing in a match or something’s not going his way, he goes at it as if the score is 0–0.”

While wrestling tends to be predominantly individual, Hollingsworth explains that maintaining strong connections with teammates is an important part of the sport. His favorite part is competing and hanging out with the team.

“Off the mat, he’s a pleasure to be around,” Dzodzo said. “He’s super funny and gets the team together.”

Still, balancing the demands of a competitive varsity sport with academics, work and social life can be challenging.

“It’s really hard to balance because wrestling takes up a lot of time, especially during the week,” Hollingsworth said.

Practice usually consists of basic warm-ups and then they elevate. 

“We usually start with a couple of games, then drilling technique, and then live wrestling,” Hollingsworth said.

Outside of organized practices, Hollingsworth goes to the gym to maintain competitive shape.

“Outside of practice, I go to Crunch to lift,” Hollingsworth said. 

In addition to his training, he busses tables at a restaurant in Rancho Sante Fe. Despite his busy routine, Hollingsworth makes a constant effort to spend time with his family, friends and girlfriend. 

As his high school wrestling career closes, Hollingsworth is preparing for the next stage in life. Earlier this month, he committed to wrestling at Palomar College, where he plans to compete before eventually transferring to a four-year, Division I program.

Hollingsworth’s commitment to wrestle in college is a milestone for the school’s wrestling program as he is the “first boys wrestler,” according to BigRigg.

After years of training, competition, and growth within the school’s wrestling program, Hollingsworth will continue his wrestling career.