In the small yet determined world of amateur wrestling, the names Calvin and Cyrus Woodberry stand out. Inspired by their older brother, their journey into the sport began with simple family visits to wrestling practices, gradually transforming into a shared passion and way of life. Calvin and Cyrus’s dedication and hard work have led them to significant achievements in the sport, including the prestigious MYWAY State Championships and NUWAY Combat Nationals. But their path to success was not without its challenges.
Beginnings: Inspired by Family
Calvin and Cyrus’s journey into wrestling was ignited by their older brother, who first blazed the trail into the sport. “Our inspiration to start wrestling was our older brother who wrestled before us. We wanted to wrestle just like him,” they shared. The initial spark came from accompanying their father to their brother’s practices, where they were introduced to the sport’s principles and the character-building aspects it offered. This familial connection provided a strong foundation and motivation for the brothers to delve deeper into wrestling.
Overcoming Challenges: Grit and Determination
Wrestling is renowned for its grueling nature, demanding both physical and mental fortitude. Cyrus recalls, “A big challenge I experienced in my wrestling journey was facing the toughness of the sport. Wrestling is hard, and I had to forge myself into a winner.” This forging process involved relentless focus on improvement and daily practice, a regimen that tested their limits but was crucial for their success.
Calvin faced the additional challenge of balancing his academic and athletic commitments. “When I got serious with the sport, I had to change my schedule. I had to balance my school and practice. I had to wake up to go to the Powerhouse Gym at 5:30 AM then be at school by 8 AM. After school, I did my homework then go to practice from 6 to 8 PM,” he explained. This disciplined schedule meant sacrifices, like less time for video games and socializing, but it was a necessary step towards becoming the best.
The Rigors of Training
The Woodberry brothers’ success is rooted in a rigorous training regimen that leaves little room for complacency. “We workout five days a week and practice five days a week. Our dad also brought us workout equipment and pull-up bars so we can get stronger and better,” they described. This intense commitment to training, combined with the mutual push and support they provide each other, has been instrumental in their development as wrestlers.
Preparing for Championships
Their preparation for major competitions like the MYWAY State Championships and NUWAY Combat Nationals was marked by an unwavering focus and extra effort. “We dedicated most of our season to preparing for States and Nationals. We did not care about winning or losing. We focused on putting in extra work while others were training to lose,” they said. This meant enduring exhausting sessions, sometimes wrestling older or heavier opponents, but the hard work ultimately paid off.
Competing at a High Level
Competing at such high levels brought its own set of rewards and challenges. “Our experience competing at a high level was really fun. Just being out there on the mat and winning against very good wrestlers felt great,” they reflected. Their rigorous training regimen instilled a high level of confidence, helping them stay focused and motivated throughout the season. “We believed that we were not going to lose and would dominate our competition,” they added.
Beyond the Mat
Wrestling’s impact on Calvin and Cyrus extends beyond the sport itself. “Wrestling has impacted our life in a big way. It taught us life lessons and principles that we will carry for the rest of our lives. Wrestling made us mentally tough and confident, and we can carry that mentality into anything we do in life,” they noted. The discipline, self-belief, and mental toughness they’ve developed through wrestling are qualities they can apply to any future endeavor.
Advice for Aspiring Wrestlers
For young wrestlers looking to emulate their success, Calvin and Cyrus have straightforward yet profound advice: “Have fun and don’t worry about the losses. Everyone gets beat.” This mindset emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and learning from every experience, win or lose.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, both brothers have ambitious goals. Cyrus aims to leverage wrestling as a means to secure a college education and open up new opportunities. “My future goal as far as wrestling is to be the best wrestler I can be. I want to get better every day from here on out,” he said. Calvin’s aspirations are even more lofty, with dreams of competing in college, the Olympics, and the World Championships. “I really love this sport and I would like to do it for a very long time,” he shared.
The journey of Calvin and Cyrus Woodberry is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and the unwavering support of family. Their story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, showing that with dedication and perseverance, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
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