Sporting a 16-2 record over the last 2 years, senior Joshua Ortega had his sights set on making it to the state wrestling tournament in order to cap off his illustrious career, but wound up just short of his goal this season.
Wrestling in the 140lb weight class his entire career, Josh usually eats whatever he wants, until 2-3 days before the match, and then he starts to eat really healthy. “I have been able to stay in this weight class for all my time at Galileo. This helps me stay in my comfort zone. My comfort zone is being in situations I’m comfortable with, wrestling at 140 lb is routine for me at this point. I know what my body can, and can’t do”.
For his first 2 years at Galileo Josh wasn’t on the wrestling team because he thought it would be too big of a commitment for him, but instead joined a jiu jitsu kickboxing muay thai and mma gym called AB MMA. But last year he decided to make the commitment to the team and dedicate his time and effort to it.
Josh believes it is his determination and drive to keep going that makes him such a strong wrestler. ”I have a lot of motivation to be great, and I really, really want to wrestle at all-city, and then states. It’s what helps me be the best wrestler I can be.”
Despite his stellar record, Josh didn’t make it to the all city wrestling competition last year, but is focused on making it this year. He said, “There were circumstances that didn’t allow me to make all city. My grades were not high enough to wrestle at that time. But that’s fine. I want to make all-city this year, and then wrestle at states. That is the dream.”
Unfortunately, Josh didn’t reach his goal of making it to the state tournament as he fell just short at all-city, coming in 2nd place. He said, “I’m really mad at myself for not making it to state but also surprised myself and am proud by making it as far as I did at all-city.”
Josh looks back at his time as a Galileo wrestler with some regret. He says,”Something I would have done differently was put more work in my wrestling because there is always room for improvement. I also would’ve changed how I ate because I was able to cut weight pretty easily but I wasn’t eating the healthiest foods.”
Despite enjoying his time with the team though, his next plans are more individual. He says, “Going forward I don’t think I’ll join another team but I will join a gym because I can focus and work on myself more. I feel like a team will slow me down because I have to rely on and worry about others.”
