Apex High School’s wrestling team is off to a strong start this season, with a 5-3 record and a lineup of talented wrestlers led by seniors Logan Walker, Aiden Oh, Grant Goodman, John Marrinaccio, and Hudson Thomas, and junior Ben Bartelt. The team has faced some of the best wrestlers in the state and has proven that they can compete at a high level.

According to Coach Barbour, “I believe [the wrestlers] realize they can compete at a very high level. I’m looking forward to watching these guys achieve their season goals.” Despite the challenges they have faced, the team remains focused on their goal of winning the conference championship. With important matches against Green Level this week and Friendship next week, the team will continue to push themselves to secure the wins they need. Individually, several of the team’s wrestlers have the potential to make it to the state championships. 

Wrestling is a demanding sport that requires both physical and mental strength, and the wrestlers at Apex High School have shown that they have what it takes to succeed. “Wrestling is a combative sport so there are always bumps and bruises along the way,” said Coach Barbour. “You kind of get used to living with nagging pain.”

According to Coach Barbour, the ultimate goal of the program is not just to win championships but to develop young people who understand how to set goals and apply the effort to achieve them. “My philosophy is through this sport to develop young people who understand how to set goals and apply the effort to achieve them,” said the coach. “I tell athletes all the time that by the time you win that gold medal it’s anti-climatic because you know winning was inevitable from the work you put in. The true achievement is pushing yourself daily and staying focused on your goal. These are life lessons and in the end my job is to prepare these young folks for their next steps.”

As the season continues, the team will face even tougher competition, but they are ready for the challenge. With their dedication, hard work, and talent, they have the potential to achieve great things on the wrestling mat and beyond.

Come support your fellow Cougars today at Green Level and on the 20th at Friendship!