The Castle View wrestling squad entered this season coming off one of the best stretches in program history. Three wrestlers finished in the final round of the state tournament. Two of them, Malik Heinselman and Tate Samuelson, came out on top. Both graduated, bringing an end to one of the most talented teams the Sabercats have ever seen.
The last remaining member of Castle View's "Big Three" is Adrian Marquez. Marquez finished second at state in 2018, his junior season, losing 6-5 in the 113-pound weight class to Dawson Collins of Grand Junction. Now, in his senior season, he's looking to end his career with a state title of his own.
To do that, Marquez said, he needs to “put it all out there.” The hardest part is winning the mental battle, said Marquez, who plans to wrestle at the University of Northern Colorado next year. Before each match, he talks to himself:
“I just talk about how `I trained for this. I can do this. This guy's beatable. I'm top in the state. I'm one of the best wrestlers in Colorado and I got this,'” Marquez said. “The only thing you're going to do is gain — gain confidence, gain everything.”
Coach's take
“As a wrestler, he's awesome. I had a pretty talented group here for the last four years and he's one of them... He's very talented, he's a great wrestler. As a wrestler, he's very technical and quick and powerful.”
Castle View wrestling coach Ike Anderson
Key statistics
How's the season going overall?
Overall, the season's been alright. Our team hasn't been doing as good as it should be doing or how we've done in the past. Individually, some of us are doing pretty good.
What are your personal goals this season?
My personal goal is to win state at the end and just keep it going after that because I'm going to college at University of Northern Colorado.
Do you have any idea what you're going to study?
I'm going to study criminal justice. It's just something that's always caught my attention.
How would you describe yourself as an athlete?
As an athlete, I'm motivated and dedicated. On the mat, I'm strong and fast. I get to certain spots easier than others.
What would you say is the hardest part about wrestling?
The hardest part is being there mentally. If you're not there mentally, it's not going to work out for you.
What's your favorite pin move?
I'd say the cradle.
What's your favorite post-weigh-in snack?
Usually I just go with something light. Maybe like half a sandwich to keep my weight down for the next day if I have to weigh-in the next day and stay on top of drinking water.
What's your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject would be science probably. Everything with science is interesting and it engages me. I like forensic science. Zoology is pretty cool and I like that a lot.
What do you do in your free time?
Wrestle (laughs). In my free time I usually just hang out with my friends and take time to chill out and regather myself.
