As a third grader, Gianni Cook ran across a flyer at school advertising a wrestling league and decided to give it a try. He went to practice, joined the league and has been a committed wrestler ever since.

Now a junior, Cook is looking forward to his high school season.

“He has a great work ethic,” said Mr. Morgan, wrestling coach.

Not only has Gianni brought victories to his team, but he also gets his team pumped and in the spirit for a match.

“Gianni brings excitement to the team,” said sophomore Damont’e Williams. “He gets our head in the game, he’s serious when it comes to wrestling.”

Wrestling Coach Morgan is impressed with Cook’s work ethic. In practice, Cook and other wrestlers work on take downs and improving different techniques and positions. Not only is Cook ambitious in practice but he also prepares to wrestle outside of practice.

“After running home I do push-ups and sit-ups, and of course I eat right,” said Cook.

When Cook was only a beginner at wrestling, he would become anxious before each match.

“I used to get nervous, but I don’t get nervous anymore, I just go up and expect to win,” said Cook. “I just get in the zone, I zone out.”

By wrestling, Cook claims he has bettered himself as a person and as an athlete.