Wrestling isn’t just a sport, it’s a test of endurance, mindset and heart. At Rock Creek High School, athletes step into the ring ready to grapple with not just opponents, but also their own limits. Whether it’s pinning down technique or pushing through tough practices, students are finding reasons to stay on the mat.
Among them is Hayden Rupp, a dedicated team manager who plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role during the season. When asked about her responsibilities, she didn’t hesitate to explain how hands-on her position is.
“I prepare wrestlers for the meets… I pass out singlets and all that, and I mostly just check things out,” Rupp Said.
Rupp stays in the thick of the action—making sure athletes are ready to hit the mat and coaches have everything they need. Whether she’s calling out match times or lining up gear, her presence keeps the team running smoothly.
“Most rewarding part of being the manager is seeing how much the players flourish under everything,” Rupp said.
Sophomore wrestler Luke Ruhnke, who continues to lock in his commitment to the sport. With a strong bond to his teammates, he said it’s the team dynamic that keeps him coming back to the mat.
“Probably the friendship you have with your teammates, motivating each other and just trying to get each other hyped up for their matches,” Ruhnke said.
In addition, he tries to get across the importance of having cheerful teammates along with you, even after very tough matches. For him, it seems that it highlights a big motivation toward his motivation, and he tries to spread it too.
“Determination. You can’t come out there expecting to lose.” Ruhnke said.
Another sophomore, Isaiah Cazee, brings a mental edge to every bout. His mindset? Expect the unexpected and stay adaptable.
Finally introducing Isaiah Cazee, a sophomore wrestler, who has an open mind to things. A loss to him is nothing to his mindset, and just keeps him going. Cazee often locks in before a match, hyping himself up before a match to make sure he plays his best.
“Just be ready for any outcome, in any way someone’s gonna rebut your actions or the way you play.” Cazee said.
Cazee reflected on the unpredictability of each match, pointing out that no two opponents wrestle the same. For him, flexibility and focus are key to staying in control, even when things don’t go as planned.
“I usually just think about how far I’ve come during the wrestling season, and there’s been times when people like to shoot me down, you just gotta think about other stuff,” Cazee said.
From warming up teammates to walking off the mat with pride, these student-athletes and supporters are showing that wrestling at Rock Creek is more than just takedowns—it’s about resilience, mental toughness and brotherhood.
