Under the noise of the gym, 14-year-old Weston Middleton walks toward the wrestling mat with the quiet determination of someone who refuses to let age define his limits. While most athletes his age are still finding their footing, Weston is already competing on both the junior varsity and varsity wrestling teams, stepping into matches against older, stronger opponents with a fearlessness that turns heads. His journey is not just about winning bouts. It is about proving that hard work can outshine expectations, that discipline can bridge any gap and that greatness often begins long before anyone is watching.
“The main difference between JV and varsity is the level of competition and responsibility. JV is more about learning, gaining experience and developing skills, while varsity is more competitive and intense,” Middleton said. “Varsity wrestlers usually face tougher opponents and are expected to perform consistently and represent the team at a higher level.”
Balancing junior varsity and varsity at the same time can be difficult. It requires student-athletes to handle various practice times, adjust to what each coach expects and switch between learning in junior varsity and competing hard in varsity. In short, the two levels demand different things, pushing student-athletes to stay focused, organized and resilient.
“My biggest struggle in wrestling is staying mentally strong, especially during tough matches or when I’m tired. Wrestling is hard because it’s just you against your opponent, and there’s no one else to rely on but yourself,” Middleton said.
Even with those mental challenges, Middleton is not facing them alone. The people around him, especially his coaches, play a big part in helping him stay focused and confident. They guide him through the tough moments, remind him of what he is capable of, and push him to keep improving. Their support gives him the strength to stay motivated and continue growing as a wrestler.
“My coaches have supported me by pushing me to be better every day and believing in my potential. They’ve given me advice, corrected my mistakes and helped me build confidence so I could handle the responsibilities of being on varsity,” Middleton said.
With all the guidance and support he has received, Middleton has started to think more about what wrestling could mean for him beyond the current season. The confidence his coaches helped him build has given him a stronger sense of purpose, and he is beginning to set bigger goals for himself. Their belief in him has opened his eyes to the possibilities the sport might offer, both in high school and beyond, leading into what he hopes wrestling will help him achieve in the future.
“I hope wrestling helps me become more disciplined, confident and mentally tough. Whether or not I continue wrestling into college, I want to use the lessons I’ve learned in my future goals,” Middleton said.
