Junior Toriano Johnson has many goals academically, but he has one goal in life that’s going to take more to accomplish than just a simple match.

As winter sports begin, the boys’ wrestling team would like to forget their tough season last year.
“I was only a freshman when I started and I improved dramatically,” said Johnson. “I just know I can be useful to my teammates.”

While many wrestlers are focused on learning new moves, Johnson is more focused on learning the strategies of his opponent and taking them down. In Johnson’s opinion, motivation is the key for success and with Coach Morgan on the sideline encouraging the team, this will not be a problem.

“My motivation comes from wanting to go to college and that encourages me more to pursue my future,” said Johnson.

With his tranquil attitude and the encouragement that comes from his teammates and family, when Johnson is facing his opponent he does not worry about the stats and downgrading of an already unpopular sport with the reputation of U. City.

“I have fears sometimes; I don’t let that bother me even though they might have more experiences than me,” said Johnson.

In fact, Johnson hopes to get noticed at state competition so that in the near future a free ride to college could be an option for him. Along with a few of his teammates, Coach Morgan is confident about their entry into state.

“From freshman year to junior year you can see the difference,” said Morgan. “You would never think boys who walked in knowing nothing may be considered for state.”