Issue date: 3/8/10 Section: Sports

The intramural wrestling call-out meeting last Wednesday brought 11 students and plenty of excitement to the mat in the Fitness and Recreation Center as wrestlers prepared for this week's tournament on March 11.

After 18 wrestlers showed for last years' tournament, event coordinators and competitors alike hope more students will come to the tournament on Wednesday. Senior political science and Spanish major, Jose Gutierrez wrestled in the tourney two years ago and felt participation was a crucial element to the event's success.

"I wish there was a lot more turnout," Gutierrez said. "I think everyone should come out and try it. You feel good about yourself."

For those who came to the meeting, Intramural Sports Coordinator Matt Dudzik explained the rules then set them loose to practice. As five pairs took to the circle, Dudzik explained the importance of wrestling within the intramural line-up.

"Some of these guys wrestled against each other in high school, so there's already a rivalry there," Dudzik said. "It's a physical sport. It's a battle of strength. These guys enjoyed it in high school and they want to get back into it."

The wrestlers enjoy the rivalry, although sometimes it comes from within according to freshman business management and entrepreneurship major, Rogell Rodriguez.

"You don't have to depend on anyone else to win," Rodriguez said. "You have to depend on yourself. You show how strong and fast you are."

While strength and speed are essential components of the sport, Gutierrez explained that more is necessary for victory.

"It's not about how big you are," Gutierrez said. "It's about skill and being able to pull-off the moves."

Now entering its fourth year, the intramural tournament welcomes everyone and provides a venue for self-improvement and fun.

"It's been a year since I wrestled," Rodriguez said. "Hopefully I'll get back in shape, improve, and do well."

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