Written by Emily Camp
Senior Ian Niedzielski’s wrestling career unquestionably represents the saying “Started from the bottom, now we’re here”.
Due to witnessing outstanding athleticism on the football field from Niedzielski in seventh grade, Coach Tobar (Crossroads SRC teacher, middle school and high school wrestling Coach), came to Niedzielski to recruit him to join the wrestling team.
“I fell in love with it. I was awful my first 2-3 years but I think that I really turned a corner and I’m starting to become average,” Niedzielski said.
Last year, Niedzielski made his biggest wrestling accomplishment by going 5-0 at a tournament even with a sprained Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and bruised rib. The most important thing he did was maintaining his mental toughness as strong as he could.
“I like the haters I guess, all the people who tell me I can’t do something,” Niedzielski said. “That just kind of keeps me pushing to do better and just get better. I’ve always been told I’m the little guy and in wrestling it’s just one on one, it doesn’t matter if you’re big or little. If you’re better than your opponent, then you’re going to beat them.”
Currently, Niedzielski’s fiercest opponent seems to be the postponement of his wrestling season. But he doesn’t let that stop him from preparing for when the season starts back around.
“I have a weight room in my basement, so I’ve been lifting everyday, making sure that I’m at my right weight class, if the season resumes,” Neidzielski said.
Wrestling is only one factor Niedzielski puts his time towards. He has big plans after high school and has recently enlisted into the Navy, swearing in December 19th, 2020.
“I’ll be in for six years with my current contract and we’ll see where that takes me and I might continue to do that for as long as I can.”
Niedzielski also spends his time working his current roofing job at Weatherhead & Sons, along with keeping up with online school.
“For the most part it’s just making sure you’re budgeting your time the right way and making sure that you’re getting your workouts in.” Niedzielski said.
Wrestling is a big part of Niedzielski’s life and will continue to be. The skill of being able to work as a team, to not give up and being able to push through every obstacle will always stick with him.
Nicely done by two great kids 👍❤️